Disaster Prep: Start the Conversation

Talking about a disaster or emergency isn’t always easy. We may avoid these conversations or forget just how important they are until it is too late. Starting the conversation early may be difficult, but it can be imperative for your workplace and employee safety.

Being in the maintenance, repair and operations industry with several distribution centers and a corporate building, Kimball Midwest has its own procedures for disaster and emergency preparedness. We understand negative conversations are hard to start, but we are here to help break down how to start these conversations!

So, let’s dive in to how you might start the conversation for preparedness to keep your team together in times of disaster or distress.

1. Set aside time to talk about possible disasters or emergencies when everyone is calm and relaxed. This can help everyone understand processes, plans or specific product uses that are set in place.
2. Hold this discussion over a set time (multiple meetings if needed), so decisions aren’t rushed, and all situations can be addressed. This will also help people feel more comfortable talking about hard topics and safety plans.
3. Talk about steps you and your business have taken to prepare and encourage others to ask questions. For example: In the event of a tornado, where are your business’ safe spots? Or in the event of a fire, where are exit routes, fire alarms and extinguishers?
4. Review all safety procedures, emergency equipment or guidelines set in place. A great resource to review action plans is at ready.gov.
5. Leave room for questions or feedback from your team members.

Walking through these five tips might be easy to ignore, but when disaster or emergency strikes, equipping your team with the correct knowledge, plans and equipment could save lives.

While each disaster or emergency comes with new difficulties or altogether unanticipated situations, Kimball Midwest has a variety of products that can come to your aid.

Power Outages

Power outages are common, especially when natural disasters bring harsh weather near you. To help provide relief for outages, Kimball Midwest can supply you with lighting, batteries and extension cords.

The best lighting options in case of a power outage include the Quantum Pro™ Extreme Tactical LED Flashlight, Quantum™ Rechargeable Spotlight and the 6 Volt Safety Lantern.

To keep your flashlights and other miscellaneous items powered, Kimball Midwest suggests the Procell® Alkaline, Rayovac Ultra Pro and Duracell Lantern Batteries in case of outages.

If you can have an additional power source to use on an as needed basis in case of an outage, extension cords are essential. The Kim-Cords are extreme extension cords providing you with extra length for connecting the power source to your equipment.

Cleanup

The cleanup process after a disaster can seem like a daunting task. Debris and damage need to be handled with care as a safety precaution. There are many cleanup products Kimball Midwest can provide to aid in time of disaster. These include brooms, trash bags and tape to start the cleanup process.

For larger debris and damage, pry bars, saw blades and other tools might be needed to clear a space, and Kimball Midwest has you covered to tackle anything.

Once all the debris has been cleared, cleaning chemicals are needed to finish off the process. Kimball Midwest has an extensive list of cleanup chemicals to ensure your workspace can get back to production as quickly and safely as possible.

Personal Safety

Throughout the cleanup process, it’s important to make sure you are protected from any debris or other safety hazards after a disaster. Wearing the proper gloves, eye protection (Clear Nemesis™ Safety Glasses are a great option) and a hard hat are essential. V-Maxx Safety Goggles and Yellow Ratcheting Suspension Hard Hat are perfect for personal safety against debris.

If you are ready to start the conversation with your team for disaster prep, you can never be too early. With help from Kimball Midwest’s products, we can help you prepare for the unexpected. To learn more about our disaster prep products, reach out to your sales representative today. If you do not have a rep, we can help you