Preparing for the Unexpected at Work: Bugging In at the Office

Are You Ready to Stay Put When Disaster Strikes? Everyone looks forward to getting home after a long and productive day at work, but sometimes the world outside has other ideas.

Disasters do not only happen while we're at home. Preparing for unexpected emergencies at work should be a habit for a seasoned professional. The concept of "bugging in"—staying put during a crisis—is relevant even in office settings.

This blog post will introduce you to the importance of office preparedness, with practical tips such as creating a Bug In Bag (BIB) or Get Home Bag (GHB). These can ensure peace of mind when things are right, and comfort and assurance when things go wrong.

Remember that your work situation is unique and therefore your unique factors need to be considered when making emergency plans.

Introduction

Urban areas, including office districts, are increasingly vulnerable to various disasters, from natural calamities to man-made disasters. As more individuals spend significant time in offices, having a well-thought-out plan for handling emergencies there should make sense. Keep in mind that disasters often cascade and compound, which means that for example an earthquake can lead to damaged infrastructure, power outages, water interruptions, contamination events, and other unknown scenarios, with compounded effects.

Know your BCP

Many larger companies have a Business Continuity Plan (BCP), which is a protocol and framework for handling a variety of emergency situations.

A BCP will mainly include contingencies for your company's continued operation and wellbeing, and may provide basic provisions, but might not consider your personal needs and preferences.

With a proactive approach, you can make sure you have exactly what you need when SHTF at work.

Make sure to familiarize yourself with your company's BCP so you know what to do and what to expect in an emergency. Being aware of your work district's emergency plans and capabilities is also a good idea.

What could make you stay at work, or leave?

There are a lot of things that could prevent you from leaving work, or prompt you to leave in haste.

There could be a citywide airborne contamination event, a snowstorm, a flood, an active shooter, a terrorist threat, civil unrest, and many other anticipated and unexpected events that force you to stay put. On the other hand, a disaster such as an earthquake could prompt you to rush home to your family on foot, as roads could be damaged or jammed. It is important to assess all the potential risks, at home and at work, whether likely or unlikely, to be properly prepared.

Don't forget to discuss with your family how to manage disaster events, so you're all informed, trained, equipped, and on the same page in terms of what to do in an emergency away from home. Have protocols in place for staying safe, communicating, and meeting up.

TIP: If you assess that you need to leave work to save your family from an emergency, remember that "it is sometimes better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission". Ponder these situations and scenarios in advance, so you already know what your decision and action will be, likely saving you time and anxiety when put on the spot.

Best Time to Prepare

Proactive Planning: Preparing before a disaster occurs is essential. Waiting until an emergency is imminent can lead to panic and disorganization. Waiting until a disaster happens can leave you extremely vulnerable and exposed, with little means to respond and take action.

Regular Reviews: Emergency plans and supplies should not be static. Regular reviews ensure that your strategies remain relevant and effective, accommodating any changes in personnel or resources.

Workplace Culture: Making sure that everyone at work is similarly prepared is important. Imagine being the only one with water, rations, snacks, hygiene products, and extra clothes when your whole department is miserably stuck. Or imagine being the only one with the means to leave and aid their family during a disaster. Collaborate with your colleagues to increase awareness and readiness across your organization.

Bug In Bag vs. Get Home Bag

When faced with a situation that forces you to stay at work or leave, you might want to have tools ready to aid you in your predicament. Having a Bug In Bag (BIB) and/or a Get Home Bag (GHB) is a good practice for emergency preparedness at work.

A BIB and GHB are both packages for managing unforeseen events, but vary slightly in their loadout and purpose. A BIB has provision to endure an extended stay at work, while a GHB has tools and equipment to get you home. As such, a BIB might have more food and comfort items, while a GHB might have survival tools and a light tent or sleeping bag.

These should be created based on factors like your proximity to work, season, terrain, personal goals, risk assessment, and other factors. Keep your BIB and GHB stashed in your office, or in your car.

Feature	Bug In Bag (BIB)	Get Home Bag (GHB)
Definition	Designed for staying put during an emergency	Meant for quick mobility to get home
Contents	Supplies for extended stays at work (food, water, comfort items)	Essentials for short-term escape (snacks, navigation tools, shelter)
Purpose	Used when remaining at the office	Used when evacuating and attempting to get home

Suggestions for Bag Content

Basic Supplies

Water: Having a few bottles of water stashed doesn't hurt. Neither does having a few purification tablets for extended stays, or for purifying larger amounts of water.
Ready to Eat Meals: Having a few meals that don't need cooking can save you from a rumbling stomach.
Snacks: Energy bars, fruits, and sweets, are great for energy and perking up the mood.
First Aid Kit: Every office should have readily available and easily accessible First Aid supplies, but it doesn't hurt to have your own kit.
Hygiene Products: Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper. Pack soap and shampoo if your office or building has showers or a gym.
Clothing: Weather-appropriate extra clothing and sturdy footwear, depending on your climate. Don't forget extra socks.
Medication: Being stuck at work for an extended period of time, or needing to trek a long distance to get home could mean you risk running out of medications. Make sure to keep a stash, and store it under prescribed conditions.

Tools and Equipment

Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife: For versatility in various situations.
Flashlight with Extra Batteries: Helpful when looking for an exit, or searching for important things during power outages.
Tent, Sleeping Bag, Mattress, Blanket: A good rest can give you the energy and clarity to conquer any situation. A foam or inflatable mattress can provide extra comfort.
Games and Books: Great to have to pass time and lighten the mood.

Important Documents

Keep copies of identification, insurance information, and emergency contacts in a waterproof bag.

Communication and Navigation

Portable Phone Charger: To keep devices operational
Walkie Talkie: A 2-way radio is a great way to stay in touch with your family when the grid is down.
Map and Compass: Essential for planning and finding alternative routes home.

Encourage colleagues to prepare their own bags. Making sure your colleagues are as prepared as you will make the situation more manageable.

Learn more strategies for bugging in at work and rescuing your family in a time of crisis with our book "The Elevated Prepper".

Conclusion

Being prepared at work is essential considering that disaster events are escalating and becoming more unpredictable.

Start preparing your Bug In Bag today, and consider how you can promote preparedness among your colleagues.

What are your thoughts on workplace preparedness? Do you find it prudent or unnecessary? What precautions have you taken to manage disasters at work? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

For more tips on urban preparedness and tools that can help you stay ready, check out our offerings at the Elevated Prepper store.