It is official (at least to us), May is “Take BOB, Jr. To Work Month”! Why take a mini-BOB to work? The answers could be endless – weather, civil unrest, strikes, power outages, your employer requires it, because you want to be prepared. Unless you work at home with BOB nearby, a BOB, Jr. can make your life at work a bit more secure. Depending on your circumstances and your commute time, you might want to consider adding the following to a small, portable bag that is secured at work, or at least in the vehicle you drive to work:
- Walking shoes. Pull them out at lunch time and go for a brisk walk!
- Walking socks–yes, socks that can be worn with your shoes. Thick cotton or wool are best.
- Wool hat
- Warm gloves
- Rain gear
- Change of clothes–not only can you change for an after work event, if you should have to go through decontamination, you won’t be finding your way home in a hospital gown
- Money in small denominations and coins
- Light source
- Long-term food. If you don’t want to rotate, buy the U.S. Coast Guard approved bars. Store at least 3000 calories worth
- Water and water purification straw
- Emergency blanket
- First Aid guide
- Cellphone quick recharge device
- Benadryl, aspirin, motrin, tylenol, 1 day’s worth of life-necessary meds. Even if you don’t have allergies, a Benadryl can save a life if an allergy attack occurs. An aspirin chewed and placed under the tongue can help save a stroke or heart attack victim.
- Emergency contact list, including your current list of medications & health history
- Small map of area
- Small role of duct tape in distress orange
- Pocket knife with blade, scissors, screwdriver or multi-tool. (if your employer allows it)
All of these items can fit snugly in a small backpack, tote bag or briefcase. Think compact, pack tightly and place in waterproof bags. If you are faced with commuting home in the face of impending weather or event, take BOB, Jr. with you!