Empower Your Child: Essential Survival Kit for School

School's back in session, and those new backpacks are already brimming with books and supplies.

But have you ever considered what your child would do if an emergency happened while they were at school? It's a thought that can send shivers down any parent's spine, but you can empower your child to be prepared.

By creating a special, discreet emergency bag just for them, you're giving them the tools they need to stay safe and calm until you can be reunited.

This guide will help you build a practical and compact kit that’s tailored to your child’s needs.

Why an Emergency Bag?

Imagine your child is stuck at school during a power outage, a natural disaster, or even a lockdown. Wouldn't you want them to have the essentials to stay safe and comfortable?

A well-packed bug out bag, designed specifically for their needs, is full of items that will help them navigate these unexpected situations.

Before We Pack: School Policies

Before we get into the packing list, it's crucial to check your child's school policies.

Some items might not be allowed on campus, and the last thing we want is for something essential to be confiscated.

School policies can vary widely, so be sure to check specifically about items like:

• Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications: Most schools have strict regulations regarding medications.
• Food and Drinks: Some schools may have restrictions on certain types of snacks or drinks.
• Sharp Objects: Items like pocket knives or multi-tools are usually prohibited.

To navigate these policies, it’s a good idea to contact your child’s school and ask about any restrictions. This will help you ensure your child’s bag is packed with everything they need—and nothing that could be taken away.

Essentials for Every Age Group: Building a Discreet and Practical Kit

Let's explore the essential items that should go into your child's emergency kit. Remember, the goal is to create a compact, discreet bag that they can easily carry and access.

Hydration is Key: Water Pouches

Instead of a traditional water bottle, pack a couple of small, portable water pouches in a ziplock baggie. This saves space, ensures the water is safe and ready to drink, and the ziplock bag helps prevent leaks.

Fueling Up: Non-Perishable Snacks

Pack lightweight, compact snacks like granola bars, nuts (if no allergies), or dried fruit. Choose items that are easy to eat, provide energy, and are mess-free.

Avoid anything that could be considered candy or sugary treats to stay compliant with school guidelines.

First Aid Fundamentals: Mini First Aid Kit

Include a small selection of band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and a few gauze pads. A pre-made, child-friendly kit can be ideal. Ensure it's small enough to avoid taking up too much space and doesn't contain any items that might be restricted.

Comfort and Safety: Clothing Essentials

Extra Layer: A lightweight, packable jacket or sweatshirt that can be folded into a small bundle. This is helpful for unexpected weather changes or chilly classrooms.

Socks and Underwear: Pack an extra pair of socks and underwear, but keep them rolled up and tucked discreetly into the kit.

Hat: A simple, foldable hat can provide sun protection or warmth, depending on the weather.

Protection from the Elements: Compact Rain Poncho

A compact rain poncho is a fantastic addition! It's lightweight and can protect your child from rain, wind, and even the sun. Plus, it has other uses like a ground cover or makeshift shelter.

Communication and Navigation: Staying Connected

Emergency Whistle: A small, loud whistle can be easily attached to the pack or stored inside for emergencies. It's an important tool for signaling in a crowd.

Emergency Contact Information: Write down important phone numbers on a small, waterproof card that can be stored in a zipper pocket. This should include your contact info, as well as a trusted relative or friend.

Simple Map: A basic, foldable map of the local area can help your child orient themselves if needed. Keep it small and easy to understand.

Flashlight and Bright Stick: A small, keychain-sized flashlight or headlamp can provide light in low-visibility situations.

Add a bright stick for extra safety—it’s easy to use, and can help your child be seen in the dark. Ensure both are compact and durable.

A bright stick will work as well.

Comfort Item: A Touch of Home

For younger children, include a small comfort item like a family photo, a favorite stuffed animal, or a piece of cloth from home.

For older children, consider tucking in a lightweight copy of a favorite book.

These items can provide a sense of security and familiarity in an unfamiliar or stressful situation.

Choosing the Right Kit for Your Child

When it comes to preparing your child for emergencies, you have two solid options: purchasing a pre-made kit or building your own.

Our pre-made Child's Mini Survival Kit offers a convenient, hand-assembled solution that's ready to go, making it perfect for busy parents.

However, if you prefer to customize a kit based on your child's unique needs, you can also assemble one using carefully selected products from Amazon.

While building your own may save some money, it requires more time and effort to ensure you have all the essential items.

Both options provide valuable peace of mind, so choose the one that best fits your family's needs.

New Product Spotlight: Child's Mini Survival Kit

As we focus on preparing our children for unexpected situations, I'm excited to introduce the Child's Mini Survival Kit!  

This compact, travel-size kit is designed specifically for kids and fits easily into their backpack.  

Packed with essential items like a water pouch, food bar, emergency bright stick, and more, this kit ensures your child has the basic necessities to stay safe and comfortable during emergencies at school.  

It’s a simple yet powerful way to give your child an extra layer of security, no matter what the day brings. Don’t wait—equip your child with this essential survival kit today and give yourself peace of mind.  

We’re thrilled to introduce our new child’s mini survival kit! While our regular in-store price is $29.99, we're offering a special promotion from August 16 through August 25.

During this period, you can purchase the kit at a 25% discount for just $22.49. At Sunshine Preppers, we're excited to expand our product line, and we're passing the savings on to you.

Building Your Own Emergency Kit from Amazon

If you enjoy a more hands-on approach and want to tailor your child's emergency kit to their specific needs, consider building your own.

By selecting individual items from Amazon, you can create a custom kit that perfectly matches your child's preferences and your budget. This option allows for greater flexibility, ensuring that every item in the kit is just right for your child.

As well, some products come in multipacks, making it easier if you have more than one child.  Plus, it can be a fun and educational activity to involve your child in the process, helping them understand the importance of being prepared.

Disclaimer: The FCC requires me to inform you that some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. While I haven’t personally purchased all of these items for my own family, I’ve carefully selected them to ensure they offer the best quality and value for you. If you click on a link, your price will remain the same, and if you choose to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission that helps cover the costs of running this website.

• Water:  The Datrex drinking water pouches, each containing 4.227 ounces.  You can purchase 12 of these for $13.85, which makes each one cost $1.15.
• Snack Bar:   I imagine it's likely you already have your child's favorite snack bar in the house, but if not, let me recommend the Clif Kid ZBar. These bars are soft, chewy, and come in a variety of kid-friendly flavors like chocolate chip and iced oatmeal cookie. They’re designed specifically for children, making them a nutritious and palatable choice for a survival kit. The variety in the link is for the chocolate brownie flavor.  There are 18 bars in a pack and cost $13.64, or 76 cents each.
• Mini First Aid Kit:  The DMI Mini First Aid kit contains (6) alcohol swabs, (2) gauze pads, (1) bandage roll,  (1) bandage tape, and (10) adhesive bandages of various sizes packed into a small water-resistant case.  These little kits cost $1.94.  
• Rain Poncho:  The Coghlan's rain poncho is compact and lightweight.  It is available in white.  Best of all, it only costs $1.49.   You can certainly spend more on a poncho, but I believe this one is ideal for emergencies. It’s affordable enough to be treated as a throwaway, making it a practical choice for your child's kit.
• Emergency Whistle: This emergency whistle features a two-tone chamber that amplifies the sound, allowing it to be heard from up to a mile away, making it an effective signal whistle. It comes with an adjustable, reflective cord for added safety. The package includes 5 whistles for $3.99, which comes to just 80 cents each.
• Flashlight:  This 4-pack of hand-crank flashlights comes in a variety of colors. No batteries are needed—simply crank to power the 3 bright LED lights, providing a sustainable and reliable light source. The pack is priced at $11.99, making them $2.99 each.
• Glow Stick:   These glow sticks have a 5-year shelf life, making them perfect for any first aid or survival kit. They provide up to 12 hours of light and are waterproof and easy to carry. Simply snap and shake to activate—no batteries required. This 10-pack is priced at $9.99, making them roughly $1.00 each.

Whether you choose to buy the pre-made kit or build your own, both options ensure your child is prepared for emergencies. The key is to select items that will provide comfort and safety when needed most.

 

Teaching Your Child About Their Emergency Kit: Knowledge is Power

Teaching your child about their emergency kit is just as important as packing it. Here's how to make it a positive and educational experience:

Family Involvement

Involve all family members in going over their bug-out bags together.

Explain the Purpose

Use simple, age-appropriate language to explain why they need a bug-out bag and how it can help them in emergencies. Emphasize that the kit is there to keep them safe and comfortable until you can be reunited.

Get Them Involved

Let your child help pack their bag. Allow them to choose some items, like snacks or small comfort objects. This involvement makes them feel more responsible and connected to the kit.

Practice Together

Run through some practice drills with your child to simulate different emergency scenarios. This helps them understand how to use the kit and remember what to do in a real situation. Keep the drills light-hearted and educational rather than stressful.

Focus on Positivity

Frame the conversation around being prepared and staying safe, not on fear. Reinforce that the kit is a tool for their safety and comfort, and remind them how it will help them handle unexpected situations.

Keep It Age-Appropriate

Tailor your explanations and practice to their level of understanding. Avoid overwhelming them with too much information, and make sure they know they can ask questions if they're unsure about anything.

 

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Child's Emergency Bag Ready

You've done a great job putting together a practical and discreet emergency bag for your child. Here are a few final tips to ensure it's as effective and manageable as possible:

Regular Checks

Make it a routine to review and update the bag, ideally every three months. Replace expired food, worn-out items, and adjust contents as your child grows.

Keep It Lightweight

Remember, your child will be carrying this bag, so it's important to keep it as light and compact as possible. Only include essential items to avoid overloading the backpack.

Teach Them Well

Make sure your child knows how to use their kit and what to do in an emergency. Reinforce these lessons periodically to keep them prepared and confident.

Have a Family Plan

Ensure you have a family emergency plan in place. This plan should include how to reunite with your child in different scenarios and how everyone in the family can stay safe and calm.

By following these tips, you're giving your child the best possible chance to handle an emergency with confidence and ease. Your proactive approach will help them feel secure and prepared, no matter what situation they may face.