Emergency PreparednessI remember the last big power outage in New York City very clearly. It was a sweltering summer day in the middle of the week. Everyone was at work, or going about their business. Within a matter of seconds, one of the largest blackouts in New York City history hit without warning. Air conditioning clanked to a halt. Lights flickered, then went out. Landline phone service died. Outside, traffic signals went black. Within minutes, traffic snarled all over Manhattan island. Subway train stopped between stations. Travel out of the city ceased.

Because it was New York, nobody panicked. They just cursed.

Many people were stuck in their offices or workplaces that day, and for many, it turned into an unplanned sleepover. Plenty of people no doubt remember it as one of the most uncomfortable nights of their lives.

No-one likes to think about natural disasters striking, or emergencies hitting. When life is humming along smoothly, things like blackouts and tornadoes seem remote. But when they hit, often with no warning, they are all too real. That’s when we kick ourselves for not being more prepared. If there’s one place where we worry about emergencies least of all, it’s probably our workplace. But, as New Yorkers learned in the big blackout, emergencies don’t wait until you and your family are all safe at home. They hit at any time. They can hit anywhere. And when they do, some of us will be stuck at work.

For those who are prepared, an enforced night in a darkened office may be unpleasant, but it doesn’t have to be the worst night of your life.

Start putting together your emergency kit by getting one of those plastic containers with a tight-fitting lid from your local big box drugstore. Here are some essential items you’ll want to load in there. You can vary the items depending on your needs and circumstances.

• Directions and phone numbers for the closest neighborhood motels or hotels
• A sleeping bag, because you most likely won’t be able to get a room, even if there is a hotel nearby
• Battery-operated radio and extra battery
• Small flashlight with extra batteries
• A charging unit like a Black & Decker “Storm Station” so you can keep your cell phone charged (this won’t go in your container – you should keep it charged at all times in a handy location)
• A backup charger for your cell phone
• Updated list of people you’ll need to call in an emergency
• Enough non-salty, freeze-dried or canned food for 24 hours
• Supply of bottled water for same time period
• A non-electric can opener
• A little bag of essential toiletries
• Any medicine you may need in the next 24 hours
• A small amount of cash
• Some reading material for a long, boring period
• A light blanket
• Especially if you “dress” for work, some comfortable sweats
• A Rain poncho and rubber boots for outside emergencies

Remember to replenish the food supply once a year, so you don’t get stuck with a can of food that expired two years ago.

Is it a hassle to put together a kit like this? Sure it is. Nobody wants to worry about disasters when the sun is shining and the birds are singing. But if the unimaginable happens, and you’re stuck in your workplace when it occurs, you’ll be really glad you did. And you’ll probably be the envy of all your colleagues.

This guest post was written by Neil Street, who usually has his hands full with his small business online marketing company, as long as the lights stay on.