My kids are going back to school in the fall, and after watching the movie San Andreas (we actually happen to live in San Francisco) they’ve taken in interest in not being separated from us (their parents) in an emergency. I think it’s important to think about anything from a minor to major emergency where you, the parent are most likely at work, and your child is at school. What are the key things that you want your child to have until you’re able to get to them? You can pack this up for your child and leave it at their school for them in a safe location, like their classroom. Always make sure that you’ve talked to your child about an emergency plan, and talked to your child’s school about different emergency situations.
Here are my suggestions for a emergency kit at school:
Emergency Documents
Have a paper with your child’s emergency contacts, home address, medical information, and anything else that’s important. This could include a copy of your child’s health insurance and passport. You can’t expect your child to remember every address, phone number and small piece of information, so it’s important that they have it in case they need to refer to it in case of an emergency.
Book
Have a book or activity workbook that your child can read in case they’re stuck at school or somewhere else for an extended period of time. Depending on the age and reading level of your child, you will have to pick what will work for them and what they’re interested in.
Comfort Item and Family Picture
This could be anything from a blanket to a teddy bear, along with a family photo. Anything that will help your child feel safe and secure.
Mini First Aid Kit + Personal Medications
Children go through band aids like no-one’s business. Make sure to have a mini first aid kit that has things your child may need, whether it be their prescription medications or allergy medicine just in case. These medibuddy kits are small and easy to toss into any bag or backpack, then you can just supplement with whatever else your child may need.
https://www.amazon.com/MediBuddy-First-me4kidz-Buddy-Assorted/dp/B004B23WH6/ref=sr_1_1
Water and Food
If your child doesn’t already take a re-fillable water bottle to school, make sure that they have one with them. You can also include
water packets and pouches
that store for a long time, so you don’t have to worry about it. Consider the fact that your child may also be hungry, so have a variety of bars and snacks.
Wipes
Kids tend to get dirty so having wipes on hand can really be helpful. Just slip in a pack of wet-ones into their emergency kit and they can get whatever they need off their hands or face.
A copy of your family emergency plan
Make sure that your child has a copy of your family emergency plan, knows where you’re working while they’re at school, and your plan to get to them. You can use something like
this
and then print a copy for your child.
Flashlight
In case the power goes out make sure they have a fun flashlight or glow stick that they can use to light up the night and make the darkness a bit less scary.
Emergency ID Card
Make sure that your child has their own
emergency id card
, with information on them, and that the teacher has a copy of this. This is kind of like the emergency documents.
Some additional resources:
https://momwithaprep.com/how-to-make-an-emergency-survival-kit-for-kids-at-school/
https://preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com/2011/11/emergency-kits-for-school-kids.html
https://www.perfectionpending.net/2013/09/20/how-to-create-a-personalized-school-emergency-kit-for-your-child/
