What should be in an evacuation kit?

Emergency conditions have the ability to strike the workplace at any time which is why it’s so important to stay at least one step ahead. For that reason, creating an evacuation kit or emergency kit is a great way to prepare for natural disasters or human caused emergency situations.

These types of kits have the potential to vary wildly in the industrial world due to the differences in the type of work that is being performed and the climate that the business is located in. Fire, earthquake, tornado, and chemical hazard evacuation and emergency kits are just a few common examples of the types of kits that can be found.

Emergency kit supplies

When looking to put together one of these kits for employees, keep in mind the hazards that exist within the workplace. These can be toxic chemicals, heavy machinery, and even substances such as combustible dust. With those in mind, the objects that should be in an evacuation kit include:

• Personal protective equipment such as goggles or face shields, chemical resistant garb like gloves, boots, and aprons. Consider if respirators or hazmat suits are needed, etc.
• A stocked first aid kit in case there are any injuries

As for environmental disasters such as an earthquake or tornado, some emergency kit supplies to think about providing include:

• Flashlights
• Emergency blankets
• Batteries
• Whistles for communication
• Extra food and water
• Hygiene materials such as hand sanitizer, vinyl gloves, etc.
• A pry bar and leather gloves for search and rescue efforts

These are only some objects to include in workplace emergency evacuation kits that aid employees before an emergency response team is able to arrive at the scene. Employees should also think about keeping an emergency contact list and their cell phone with them during these events to contact emergency personnel and their families.