What to do if it looks like you’re outtahere.

When the Grim Reaper comes to your office, no one is safe, so what can you do about it? Not much, though if you get a hint that a layoff may be coming, there are a few things that you can do to prepare.

We interrupt our series on job interviews this week and next for another important issue: Getting fired. Or laid off. Cut back. Whatever you call it, it’s no less painful, yet in companies across the country, it’s happening with greater frequency as a result of the increasingly crappy economy.

No one is immune, but what can you do about it? Not much, though if you get a hint that it could be in the cards for you… or think there’s a chance, there are a few things that you can do to prepare.

First of all, watch your expenses. If you were planning to buy a house, a new car or make some other big-ticket purchase, see if you can put it off. Unless you know that you can afford it without the steady income of your job, it could be a big problem, so be careful!

Prepare your spouse or partner by making them aware of the situation. It’s probably best not to blurt anything out and declare, ”I’M GONNA LOSE MY JOB!!” which may not be true, but lay the groundwork, just in case. Ditto with other family members. Use some discretion; try not to make anyone cry or unnecessarily upset, but communication is important throughout the process.

Go to the doctor. The dentist. The shrink. Use your insurance while you still have it. Of course, companies are supposed to offer you the opportunity to continue coverage, but you’ll be paying the whole thing out of your pocket — plus. That means if you’ve been paying 30 percent and the company’s been paying 70 percent, you’ll be forking out 100 percent plus a (minimum) 2 percent administration fee. That can get very expensive, so deal with any medical situations sooner rather than later. Ditto with prescriptions. Get ‘em filled NOW.

Vacations and sick days? Up to you. Many companies will pay you for those days as part of your severance, but some will screw you so watch out!

Make sure you have copies of your work. This can be dicey. You don’t want to violate any laws or promises you made (especially in writing) regarding company secrets, but you may need samples of your work to get your next job — or to DO your next job, so get copies of your work within the boundaries of your agreement, but keep a low profile. Don’t start printing out reams of paper or e-mailing a zillion attachments to yourself. A large-capacity flash drive — or several— should suffice.

Should you start looking for another job? Well, it’s always smart to keep your eyes open even if you think you’re secure. Applying for a new gig while you already have one is not a bad thing, but be careful; it’s tough to tell who’s who online and you may be sending an e-mail application to your current employer without knowing it!

Most of all, whatever you’re doing, be cool. Stay calm. Do your job and don’t attract any negative attention. Often, decisions are made thousands of miles away and the people you work with might have no clue, but keep your eyes open for signs that you MAY be heading for the exit — either on your own or with an escort.

Next week: the signs, and what to do when you’re blown out.