Emergency Kits: Must-Have Items for Commercial Properties
In today's unpredictable world, businesses face plenty of potential threats—from severe storms and floods to fires and even issues tied to remote work. At Advanced Structural Drying Technologies (ASDT), we know firsthand that being prepared is essential for keeping your doors open when disaster strikes. A solid emergency kit, paired with a clear emergency response plan, is your best line of defense for protecting your property, employees, and customers.
This guide outlines exactly what you need in your emergency kit, making sure your business is ready to handle emergencies without missing a beat.
Why Emergency Kits Are Essential for Your Business
Emergency Management & Business Continuity—A.K.A. Keeping Your Doors Open
Yes, an emergency kit is essentially a box of supplies. But when disaster strikes, these supplies can be your lifeline for business continuity.
When unexpected events happen, you need to have the basics covered—things like power, communication, and basic survival supplies. Good preparedness lets your team tackle emergencies head-on, keeping downtime and financial losses as low as possible.
Having the right supplies handy gives your team confidence and helps everyone stay calm and coordinated when a crisis hits. Plus, employees and customers will appreciate knowing you take their safety seriously.
The Real Cost of Being Unprepared
Let’s talk numbers for a second. According to FEMA, roughly 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster. Of those that do, only 29% are still operating two years later. That’s not just statistics—that’s families, jobs, and livelihoods on the line.
The average business loses about $3,000 per day during downtime. For smaller operations, even a few days closed can mean the difference between staying afloat and going under. We’ve seen too many good Tennessee businesses fold after disasters simply because they weren’t ready.
How Proactive Emergency Preparedness Pays Off
When you get proactive about preparedness, you cut down on damage and recovery costs significantly. Keeping your emergency kit updated lets your team quickly respond to potential threats. It also boosts customer confidence, showing you’ve got things under control.
Businesses that prepare ahead of time bounce back faster. Your reputation—and your bottom line—depend on your ability to stay resilient in tough times.
What You Need in Your Business Emergency Kit
Basic Survival and Safety Supplies
Your emergency kit should always contain the following items:
- Bottled water (one gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food items
- Fully stocked first-aid kits
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Protective gloves and masks
- Basic sanitation items
- Blankets (including emergency blankets)
- Weather radio
These supplies are your starting point for safety and calm during an emergency. Check your kit regularly to make sure everything works when you need it. Keep items labeled and accessible so your team can respond quickly.
Beyond the Basics: Emergency Kit Must-Haves We Often Forget
Working with hundreds of Southeastern businesses over the years, we've noticed people often overlook some critical items in their emergency planning. Don't forget to include:
- Cash in small denominations (when power's out, credit cards won't work)
- Portable phone chargers and extra power banks
- Duct tape and plastic sheeting (for emergency sealing)
- Basic tools like pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers
- Multi-purpose utility knife
- Heavy-duty garbage bags (these have countless uses in emergencies)
- Whistles for signaling and getting attention
- Dust masks to filter contaminated air
- Local maps with evacuation routes clearly marked
- Prescription medications and glasses for team members who need them
These items don't take up much space but can make a huge difference when you're in a pinch.
Tools and Equipment for Emergency Management
Beyond the basics, your kit needs specialized equipment for managing emergencies. Portable generators keep power running during outages—crucial for staying connected, especially when remote work is part of your setup.
In the event of a fire, keep fire extinguishers and heavy-duty tools at hand for quick temporary repairs that can minimize damage immediately. Two-way radios or satellite phones allow your team to stay in touch even if regular networks fail.
Investing in reliable gear gives your team the tools to act fast and manage emergencies effectively.
Documentation and Communication Tools
Clear communication and good documentation are critical during emergencies. Store important records—insurance policies, emergency response plans, contact lists—in waterproof, fireproof containers. Keep digital backups safe in cloud storage for extra protection and easy access.
Include portable chargers, notebooks, and pens to keep communication and documentation flowing, no matter what happens. A clear communication strategy keeps your team coordinated and efficient in crisis mode.
Building a Solid Emergency Response & Business Continuity Plan
Putting together an emergency kit is just step one. At ASDT, we help you create a detailed emergency response preparedness plan customized for your business. A good plan helps you identify potential threats, protects your critical functions, and clearly defines roles and responsibilities. It also helps us respond to disaster scenarios more efficiently, and help you out in the insurance claims process once the storm has passed.
Your plan should outline detailed communication protocols that keep everyone informed and coordinated during an emergency. Once you’ve established a plan, run regular drills so your team feels confident handling real-life emergencies. Keep your plan updated, especially as your business grows or your work environment changes, like adding more remote work options.
Your Emergency Kit and Response Plan Go Hand-in-Hand
Make your emergency kit an integral part of your overall response plan. Clearly document where the kit is located, what’s inside, and who’s responsible for it. Regular training ensures your team knows exactly how to use your kit in a crisis. Keeping everyone informed and trained means your team can handle anything that comes your way.
Staying Ready Means Staying Resilient
Preparedness isn’t a one-time thing. Regularly review your emergency response plan and check your kit, especially after incidents or big changes in how you operate, such as shifting to more remote work.
Here's what your plan needs to cover:
- Risk assessment specific to your location and business type
- Clear chain of command and backup decision-makers
- Employee emergency contact information
- Evacuation procedures and meeting points
- Shelter-in-place protocols
- Emergency shutdown procedures for equipment
- Data backup and recovery processes
- Customer communication templates
- Vendor and supplier alternative contacts
- Post-disaster assessment checklists
Spotting potential issues ahead of time helps you adapt quickly, keeping your business strong and ready for whatever comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions about Emergency Kits
What's the First Thing I Should Do After a Disaster?
Safety comes first—always. Make sure everyone is accounted for and safe before anything else. Then, assess damage using your emergency plan's checklist. Document everything with photos and notes before you start cleanup. This documentation will be gold when dealing with insurance claims later.
Who Should Be Responsible for Emergency Planning?
Assign a primary coordinator who's typically on-site, but create a committee representing different departments. This shared responsibility approach works better than leaving it all to one person. Make sure everyone knows their role during different types of emergencies.
How Can I Make Sure My Emergency Plan Actually Works?
Test it regularly with realistic scenarios. After each drill, gather feedback from your team about what worked and what didn't. Update your plan based on these insights. The most effective plans evolve over time through this process of testing and refinement.
ASDT: Your Go-To Partner in Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Recovery
At Advanced Structural Drying Technologies, we help businesses in Tennessee and throughout the Southeast build rock-solid emergency response and disaster recovery plans. Our experienced team tailors preparedness plans specifically for your business, ensuring you can act quickly during emergencies and keep your critical operations running smoothly.
With extensive certifications in water, mold, fire, and storm damage recovery, ASDT gets your commercial property back up and running quickly, helping you minimize downtime and recovery costs.
Your Trusted Partner for Emergency Management and Business Continuity in Tennessee
Rely on our experienced team to guide you through every crisis with expert water damage restoration and emergency preparedness. Call us at 615-207-3877 or reach out online today to safeguard your business and secure a resilient future.
