Rethinking Safety and Awareness in the Home Office

Triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become a common practice for many companies.

However, unlike the days when “the workplace = the office,” this new way of working from home calls for a fresh perspective on disaster preparedness.
In this article, let’s explore how to prepare—and shift our mindset—for potential disasters that may strike while working remotely.

Your Home Is Now Your Emergency Shelter

In today’s remote work era, there’s a good chance you’ll be at home when a disaster strikes.
While this offers the convenience of staying in a familiar space, it also means you can’t rely on your company or workplace for emergency support like you once might have.
Personal preparedness at home is now essential.

When a natural disaster—such as an earthquake, hurricane, or power outage—hits during working hours at home, you could face several unexpected challenges:

• ・Your home may not be fully safe (e.g., falling furniture, power hazards).

• ・You might struggle to stay connected (no power to charge devices, poor internet).

• ・Sharing space and supplies with family members can create added stress.

• ・Emergency communication protocols with your company or team may be unclear.

Being prepared doesn’t just mean having a go-bag—it means rethinking your home office as both a workplace and a safe haven.

Start by assessing your space, your tools, and your communication plans.
Because when the unexpected happens, being ready can make all the difference.

Home Office Disaster Preparedness Checklist

 1.Check the Safety of Your Work Area

• ・Are there any heavy or potentially falling objects near your desk?
• ・Are bookshelves and monitors securely fastened?
• ・Are cords, cables, and power strips safely arranged to avoid tripping or electrical hazards?

2.Secure Communication and Power Sources

• ・Have a mobile battery or portable power station ready for blackouts.
• ・Prepare a backup internet source (mobile Wi-Fi or smartphone tethering).
• ・Set up automatic backups for important data to the cloud.

3.Review Your Emergency Supplies

• ・Store enough drinking water and emergency food for your household (plus 1–2 extra days for safety).

Why Remote Workers Need Clear Safety Check-Ins and Company Coordination

When a disaster strikes during working hours, it’s crucial to have a plan for how and when to contact your company. Remote work makes this even more important.

• ・Use designated tools for emergency check-ins (e.g., internal chat systems, or dedicated apps).
• ・Set up clear backup and handover procedures for work-related data.
• ・Don’t forget to confirm communication methods and meeting points with your family, too.

✅ In a remote setting, staying connected—with both your workplace and loved ones—is part of being truly prepared.

Mental Preparation = “Surviving While Working”

Unlike being at the office, when working from home, your safety is in your own hands. Because you are working, it’s essential to be able to respond calmly to earthquakes or power outages. This means preparing not only for your work but also for your personal safety—covering both aspects of life and work.

The rise of remote work not only introduces a new way of working but also challenges us to rethink disaster preparedness.
Safety measures at home, securing communication and power sources, and coordinating with your family—these preparations will protect you and your loved ones when the time comes.
From a “workable home” to a “safe-to-work home.”
Why not start today?