Emergency School Kits

I'm off to school!

A good portion of our time, we are away from home. School for the Hometown Kids and work for Mom and Dad. Sometimes things come up that may keep us from returning home at our scheduled time. It may be necessary for the children to remain at the school for the evening, or even be evacuated in an emergency.

Ocean Shores IGA has committed to helping our local elementary schools keep emergency supplies on hand in case of just such an emergency. Each year, we work with them to check their kits, and replace perishable items. Necessary items are included to sustain the children for at least the evening until Mom and Dad can pick them up. Each teacher should review their kits and customize as necessary for their class.

Parents can help by making sure that each classroom has the things that it needs, and donating supplies as necessary. Help your child by also sending along something personal to them. A photo of the family, for instance. Or a note, explaining where Mom and Dad will be and reassuring the child that the family will be reunited as soon as possible. It could mean the eifference between your child being helpful and cooperative during a crisis, or being unduly scared and needy.

The following items could be included for each child:
Juice
Cereal
Cheese and Crackers (non-perishable, pre-packaged)
Raisins or nuts
Fruit Cup
Granola Bars
poncho
Lawn bags for shelter/rain protection
Space Blanket
Bandages/First Aid Supplies
Required Medicines
Personal Items

These could be packaged in a large bin or backpacks, or in individual ziploc bags for each child. This way, it could be indvidualized to food that your child prefers.

Check with your child's teacher(s) to be sure that this has been taken care of for their class and ask twhat you can do to help, then add the personal items that your child will need. Ask what the school's policy is on evacuations and lock downs, and know where to find your child in the event of an emergency.