SCHOOL DISASTER KITS

Some schools ask students to bring in their own kits, sometimes called "comfort kits." (These "comfort kits" should not be confused with Red Cross "comfort kits" — consisting mostly of toiletries — to people who have been affected by disasters.) Student-assembled "comfort kits" typically include a little food, some water, a space blanket or large plastic trash bag, a non-toxic chemical emergency light stick and a letter or photograph from home. These kits can be helpful, but require a great deal of time and supervision to assemble and check when they are brought to school. Sometimes parents include perishable items by mistake, and some parents do not send anything at all. The school will need a plan to make sure that each student has a kit. Vendors sell expensive individual kits as well, with much of the value in the packaging.

Recommended Supplies
The following lists address classroom kits, supplies for the whole school and Search & Rescue gear.

Classroom kit:

• Work gloves, leather
• Latex gloves, 6 pr.
• Safety goggles, 1 pr.
• Small first aid kit
• Pressure dressings, 3
• Crow bar
• Space blankets, 3
• Tarp or ground cover
• Student Accounting Forms, blank
• Student emergency cards
• Buddy classroom list
• Pens, paper
• Whistle
• Student activities
• Duct Tape, 2 rolls (for sealing doors & windows)
• Scissors
• Suitable container for supplies (5-gallon bucket or backpack)
• Drinking Water and cups – stored separately
• Toilet Supplies (large bucket, used as container for supplies and toilet when needed, with 100 plastic bags, toilet paper, and hand washing supplies)
  Portable Radio, batteries or other communication system
• Flashlight, batteries
• Push broom (if classroom includes wheel chairs)