Culture, Plans, and Kits
Although supplies are important, the planning around building kits is even more beneficial to creating an internal culture of readiness. Start a conversation with faculty and staff, and encourage them to think in a holistic way about office preparedness.
Here are a few things everyone should consider when planning for an emergency:
- Have an emergency phone list with important personal and professional contact information — make sure you have a paper copy.
- Know the designated meeting spot for faculty and staff.
- Know to check ubc.ca for official sources of information.
- Know your work responsibilities in an emergency.
- Keep paper copies of critical documents that you may need to continue to work in an emergency.
- Make sure you have on hand a proper supply of anything special you may need, such as medication, a small amount of food, water, and cash.
While there are no policies or legislation that require each department/faculty to practice workplace preparedness, everyone should have a personal preparedness kit at home and at work. Emergency kits are unique to each individual because they may contain prescription medications, family contact information/plans, extra clothing, and cash — this is why departments are not responsible for providing kits. Departments are also not responsible for providing large office kits, however, having a large emergency kit for the workplace is a great way to support overall preparedness.