3 Ways to Prepare Urban Refugee Supplies to Bring to the Office

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can result in an office full of employees being forced to evacuate. In urban areas, disasters can also disrupt the transportation system so that you are forced to take a different route home or at least move away from the center of the disaster. In an emergency, you may be forced to work on your own and have to improvise. Get your urban evacuation kit ready and store it in your office so you're safe and alert.

Step

Method 1 of 3: Setting up Urban Evacuation Equipment

Step 1. Choose the right backpack

Use a large, waterproof canvas backpack, preferably one with multiple pockets and padded shoulder straps. Waist straps can help to distribute the weight of the backpack evenly, making it easier to carry for long distances. Since this backpack will only be used occasionally, there's nothing wrong with buying a cheap one, perhaps a discounted one, from an inexpensive supply store, from a military scrap shop, or a thrift store. Prioritize function over style.

Add a luggage tag with your name and contact information on the backpack. If possible, add identification data in your bag, such as an old, unused employee ID card. This is just in case you lose this backpack

Step 2. Prepare enough food and water

Water is heavy enough to carry, but you need a lot. You also need snacks that are high in calories. Fill in the backpack at least one bottle of water that is tightly closed, maybe more than a bottle if you are strong enough to carry it. Make sure the water is stored in a durable bottle so it can be filled and sealed again.

• Prepare snack bars made of whole grains (granola bars), survivor bar rations (SOS bars), or protein bars snacks (protein bars); All of these snacks are high in calories and carbohydrates while also being long lasting. Food is not only for energy, but also to increase the spirit. Dried fruit is also good.
• If you are not allergic to peanuts, peanut butter is also a good choice because it is stored in a convenient container, is a source of protein, does not need to be stored in the refrigerator, and does not require cooking.

Step 3. Prepare a light reflector tape (reflective tape)

A blackout could paralyze an entire city forcing people to walk for miles. At that time, the cell phone signal may be weak or non-existent; public transportation services can stop, even cars can be diverted due to blackout traffic lights. Think ahead! Make a plan! You can buy light reflector tape at a confectionery store, sports supply store, or online. Purchase a roll (at least 2 m) to attach to your backpack and gear if needed. Usually this type of tape is sold per roll and is approximately 2.5 cm wide.

• Stick light reflector tape on the outside of the backpack. Sew on the backpack if you can or glue it together with fabric glue for a perfect fit.
• Stick the tape on the back of the backpack as well as on the front of the two shoulder straps.
• Don't be afraid to use this tape. The point is that you are easily seen by motorists or by the emergency rescue team.

Step 4. Get a collapsible raincoat or poncho

Choose a raincoat or poncho made of a light-colored material, such as yellow, so that you are easily visible. It can protect you from the weather if you have to travel long distances, can serve as emergency shade, and - after applying the light reflector tape - can make you easy for motorists and others to see. You should also add light reflector tape to this raincoat/poncho because while wearing it, the tape on your backpack will be covered.

• Fill the raincoat/folding poncho earlier in the backpack. If you can't fold it (most do), you can squeeze it into a small bag so it doesn't take up space.
• You can also tie the raincoat/poncho with a rubber band to make it compressed. Rubber bands are also useful for tying long hair in an emergency. Long hair can block eyes and vision as well as be annoying.

Step 5. Prepare the astronaut blanket

Astronaut blankets (Mylar sheets) can be purchased at hardware stores or camping supply stores. Even though this blanket is very thin, it is wide, light, and water-resistant, usually tightly packed in thin packs, and should be left in the package until needed because once it is opened it is difficult to fold it back up again. This blanket layer reflects heat, so it can maintain body temperature in cold places and can reject heat in hot places.

Step 6. Bring the whistle

If you get stuck, the whistle can make a louder sound without wasting energy. Instead of screaming sounds, high-pitched whistles were heard from a distance further away.

Step 7. Bring a pair of running shoes

In an emergency that is difficult to predict, you may be forced to run or walk long distances. You definitely don't want to do this wearing high heels or stiff leather loafers. Your safety may depend on being able to move quickly and walk long distances efficiently. Running shoes are a must-have in any practical travel kit. Do not bring new shoes because there is a risk of scuffing your feet. If possible, just bring shoes that are used but not worn out. Even old shoes are still better than stiff leather shoes or high heels.

Many running shoes have a reflective hem, but you can add light-reflecting tape. A roll of tape should be enough to mark raincoats/ponchos, backpacks, and shoes

Step 8. Prepare the socks

Prepare wool socks for sports that are the right thickness to wear with the running shoes. Do not choose socks with a low cut because they do not protect the heel when walking long distances. Put socks in shoes to save space and easy to get when you want to wear shoes.

For women who often wear skirts and dresses, it's a good idea to provide knee-high sports socks so that the legs can be more covered

Step 9. Prepare a small first aid bag

You can use a small sealed or zipped plastic bag. Label this bag. It's a good idea to have this bag also given a little light reflector tape so it's easy to find if you look for it or drop it in a dark place. The contents of this first aid kit are:

• Plaster (provide several sizes). It's a good idea to have a few smaller ones to cover the blisters. Plasters made of foam (not cloth) can provide more protection in case of abrasions and can still be used for other types of minor wounds.
• First aid antibiotic ointment.
• Antihistamines such as Benadryl or others. Make sure your allergies do not recur during an emergency.
• An epinephrine injection pen (Epi-pen) as directed by your doctor if you have severe allergies. Doctors usually don't mind writing down several prescriptions so you can buy several at once to stock up.
• Drugs that require a doctor's prescription as much as needed for two days are stored in containers with clear labels. If your medical needs change, also change the drug preparation in the first aid bag. These drugs must be labeled in great detail, namely: drug name, dose, use, and for what disease. If you have asthma, do not forget to bring an asthma aid (inhaler). It is possible that you will need to walk long distances and the air quality is poor.
• Painkillers such as aspirin. Buy a small bottle of aspirin at the pharmacy or store.
• cloth bandage. These bandages are useful for treating sprained ankles or to keep certain body parts from moving.
• Latex or vinyl gloves (if you are allergic to latex). This item is important because there is a chance that you will be around an injured person and need to help him with your first aid kit.
• Hand antiseptic liquid for cleaning.
• Wipe or hand towel for cleaning, wiping sweat, or marking.
• Provide a saline solution or contact lens cleaning fluid in a small bottle. If you wear contact lenses or live in a dusty or polluted area, this may be necessary for eye drops. This liquid can also be used to clean wounds.
• A few rolls of gauze and other first aid kits. There's nothing wrong with bringing an extra plastic bag so that all your first aid kits can be neatly loaded and kept dry.

Step 10. Bring a small flashlight

Prepare a small or medium size flashlight; make sure the battery is new. Maglite flashlights are durable but heavier than regular flashlights. A large flashlight (using a size D battery) can also be used as a defensive weapon if you get hit, but consider whether you can carry it and whether there is enough room in your backpack. Usually in a state of large-scale blackout, there is not enough time for warning, so prepare a flashlight.

• Bring a small or medium flashlight that runs on AA or C size batteries. Consider how much space in your backpack and how much weight you can carry. A light plastic flashlight will suffice. You don't need to buy an expensive one, as long as the flashlight works well.
• Now many cheap / discount small size LED flashlights are sold. These types of flashlights are also durable (no bulbs can break or burn) and are brighter in terms of light per battery.

Step 11. Prepare a map of the city where you live

It's a good idea to choose a map that details the streets and has public transport information (including train stations). You may need to make a detour, get off the train before you reach your destination, or choose an alternative route so that you are in an unfamiliar area. Always have a map handy to help choose the best route. Besides being dangerous, it's also embarrassing to get lost. During an emergency, the flow of traffic can change so that you are forced to cross roads you don't recognize, so you need a map of the city where you live. Also mark some possible routes.

Step 12. Prepare a list of emergency contact information

Cell phone network services may malfunction and your cell phone battery may run out, so it's important that you have a list of contact information for family, relatives, or anyone in the vicinity of your workplace or between your work and home who may be asked to pick you up or their home. boarded. Keep the list in your gear backpack. It is also possible that the telephone network at a critical time will be very crowded so that it is difficult to make calls, so don't just rely on phone numbers. Your memory may also dwindle in times of stress, so written information can be very useful.

Step 13. Prepare a face mask

Purchase a face mask from a hardware store or paint store to complete the evacuation kit. It's not too expensive and trust me, there's a good chance you'll really need it. Smoke and dust from a fire or earthquake can be choking. Dust/particulate masks can be very helpful.

Step 14. Also pack the portable cell phone charger unit

Now there is a battery charger (charger) with solar power and a rotary charger. There are also types of chargers that use a small number of batteries. Try looking at a travel supply store, electronics store, or electronics kiosk at the airport.

Step 15. Don't forget to bring enough money -- not too much

Keep a small amount of money for payphones, food vending machines, or any other facility you may find. Don't bring too much, just a few large pieces of shards and some coins. The money can be hidden under the base layer of the backpack. This money can also be used for transportation or buying food or drinks. Coins can be used for public telephones (if any).

Step 16. Bring a pack of wipes or wet wipes

If there is no tissue in the public toilet in the middle of the road, you are ready. Imagine the various things you might experience on your way home. Different cities, different facilities.

Step 17. Bring a folding knife (Swiss army knife) or a small multifunctional tool

Multifunctional items can be found at sports or camping supply stores. There are also folding knives which have small pliers, - these are very useful, it would be too long to describe all the uses here.

Step 18. Set up a portable radio

Many radio stations do emergency broadcasts at critical times. Fill in your backpack a battery-powered portable FM radio receiver. Radios like this can be found in electronics stores or cheap goods stores and the price is not expensive. If there is an emergency situation in your area, many radio stations will broadcast emergency broadcasts. Make sure that the radio is charged with a new battery and is not turned on when stored in a backpack.

Step 19. Glue the spare house key in the backpack; hide under the base layer

If you leave your house keys near your yard, don't label them "house keys." It's best to keep the spare key in a small safe that can be placed near the entrance (if your local regulations allow it). The price is still under IDR 1,000,000 at the hardware store; useful if you or a member of your family are accidentally locked outside or if you are traveling but then need to ask neighbors to enter your house; this way there is no risk of the spare key being lost elsewhere.

Another advantage if you don't include a spare key is that you can write your address on the emergency backpack luggage tag. Depending on the situation, a spare car key can also be useful; the key can be stored in a magnetic box

Method 2 of 3: Keeping an Emergency Backpack

Step 1. Don't be tempted to take water, snacks, or tape from this backpack

Make sure the contents of the backpack are always intact. You only need to open the backpack when checking the battery and expiration date of medicine and food.

Step 2. Prepare an emergency backpack and store it in a cupboard, under your desk, in a file cabinet, or anywhere that is easily accessible

If in doubt, take it. Everything you need can fit in that backpack. If you live in a cold area, you can add extra gear, or you can change the contents of your backpack according to the seasons.

• Carry the backpack during a simulated emergency. Make sure the backpack is easy to pick up if there is news of an emergency situation in your city.
• Don't be late when you realize you're already in a state of "refuge" while the backpack is left behind.
• In big cities, earthquake or hurricane-prone areas, and in large office buildings, it's okay to be a little "paranoid."

Step 3. Update your equipment regularly

Set a reminder on your phone or computer to regularly check your equipment every few months. It's a good idea to have the equipment checked twice a year (perhaps at the same time you check the smoke detector battery). The birthdays of family members can also be used as reminders or set a reminder on the computer calendar. There is at least one reminder every year to check.

• Check items that can expire (batteries, food and medicine); check the expiration date, completeness, and packaging (if any leaks). Make sure the map and list of contact information are still valid. Check to see if the gloves are worn out, items are missing, electronics are still working normally, and there are other possible deficiencies that could make an emergency more difficult.
• Send yourself an email with a list of items that need to be restocked or print the list. Don't you forget.

Method 3 of 3: Making a Plan

Step 1. Look at the work location and the distance from where you live

Don't imagine it in a normal situation when public transportation is fully functional. Imagine what if you had to go home without any vehicle in an emergency. What should you wear on your walk home? How long will the trip be?

Step 2. Develop a family emergency plan

Make an emergency plan with your family. Talk to them about what you would do in an emergency and if they can't reach you on a cell phone. Describe what your options are and what procedures are practical. By knowing your plans, they can help even if you can't communicate during an emergency.

If your family hears about an emergency, there may be a family member who can pick up your children, can meet you at an agreed-upon location, or be able to help as soon as you manage to contact them, text them, or message them via a third party.. Make plans for the whole family

Step 3. Set up a partner system with coworkers

Coordinate and exchange ideas with co-workers so that each has an emergency evacuation backpack that fits the situation around you, the area of the city, and your workplace.

• If you have a co-worker who also lives close to you, talk about it and plan from the start how you will run the partner system for going home together.
• Ask your coworkers to also prepare emergency evacuation backpacks so that each has a special backpack.
• Suggest to management that the preparation of emergency evacuation equipment be included in social training programs or office emergency training. Ask permission so that everyone can set up supplies in the office, form teams, and buy any forgotten supplies.

Tips

• For batteries, it is better to store them in packages like those purchased from the store because if they are directly inserted into an electronic device, the energy will slowly be absorbed. Provide scissors or an all-purpose knife to open the package or store it in a marked plastic bag.
• Consider keeping a pair of safety glasses in your emergency backpack. This is useful for making sure your eyes are not getting any particles, dust, blood, or anything else that could irritate them. Safety glasses can be purchased at hardware stores, security supply stores, construction supply stores, medical supply stores, or online stores. Usually these glasses are not too expensive and can be worn in conjunction with regular glasses.
• Laptops, expensive jewelry, and furry clothes can make you a target for robbery. Consider leaving everything you don't need in the office and evacuating by wearing things that don't attract attention.
• Lip balms and sunscreen creams can also be very useful.
• If your workplace is prone to flooding or frequent drainage problems, it's a good idea to prepare a pair of waterproof shoes.
• It's a good idea to cover the power button on the flashlight with a little tape (can be duct tape or medical tape). So if your bag is accidentally shaken while being kept under the table, the flashlight will not turn on accidentally so that when needed it will run out of battery.
• If your equipment has several battery-powered devices, make sure that they all use the same type of battery, this way you can easily carry a spare that can be used by both or can swap batteries between the two.
• If you live in a hot climate and there is a risk of very hot weather, it's a good idea to prepare a T-shirt, shorts, and hat that are all lightweight and also have more water reserves.
• To prevent the flashlight and radio from accidentally turning on, turn the battery over or use another method. Do not let the backpack shake and then the electronic devices turn on accidentally so that the battery is drained.
• Consider holding a team building exercise with these emergency evacuation materials, of course this will be more useful than just taking a walk or eating together.
• A mechanical pencil, notepad, and a box of matches or lighters can also be useful.
• If you live in an area where the climate is very cold, you should prepare thick trousers, hats, underwear and other clothing suitable for cold climates. Clothing that warms well is more useful than casual work clothes, which tend to be more stylish. Chances are you'll need a bigger backpack.
• With various technologies (such as Blackberry, iPhone, and PDA), you can leave the office safely without having to carry a laptop.
• Buy a public transport card and store it in a gear backpack. If you can find a station that still works, you won't have to buy tickets anymore and you won't have to worry about preparing a pass or small money.
• Store the gear backpack under your desk or in a cupboard. Don't store it in an underground parking lot because you probably won't have the time or opportunity to pick it up. If you can, prepare a spare backpack that is more suitable for the car.
• When coordinating with co-workers, try asking if anyone has spare equipment at home that can be donated to be used together during training for preparing evacuation equipment. Maybe a coworker has kids so there are unused backpacks and spare ponchos, batteries, or tape. Everything can complement each other.
• For managers, if you have extra funds, consider buying items to complement your team's evacuation backpack. Remind your team to update their evacuation backpacks and give them coupons for grocery shopping while preparing their evacuation kits so they can buy flashlights, first aid kits, or food reserves.
• Consider your surrounding climate and add equipment that makes it easier for you to travel through areas where the temperature is extreme or even dangerous.
• If you have a slightly larger backpack, there may be enough room to fit a small briefcase or purse into it when you evacuate. Don't mess around with your suitcase and laptop; Just bring the necessary items to survive on the streets for hours. In the example of the massive blackout in New York City, many people tried to travel with books, files, and other unnecessary items. Finally, they are forced to throw away these items or try to leave them with residents or in places of business.
• You don't have to buy all the equipment at once. You can also borrow some items from the first aid kit and toolbox at home. Instead of buying things in bulk, try going to the travel supplies section of a store or pharmacy to buy small, carry-on items. Smaller packs are easier to put in a backpack.

Warning

• Don't underestimate latex or vinyl gloves. Diseases that are transmitted through blood do exist and not everyone honestly admits or is aware that they have it. You may meet people who need medical help from the first aid kit. Don't forget to wear those gloves. Gloves are also useful if you need to take care of yourself when your hands are dirty. In this way, the treatment process is cleaner and can reduce the risk of infection.
• Flipping the battery can damage some types of LED flashlights. Use other means to prevent the flashlight from accidentally turning on.
• Personal alarms are very useful for scaring people with bad intentions.
• Maybe you've thought about including pepper spray (mace), stun gun (stun gun), or other weapons in your evacuating backpack. Be careful because these items may not be brought into the workplace.