Equipping Educators: The Essential Teacher Emergency Kit

More than 90% of public schools have a written plan for the following emergencies: active shooters, natural disasters, suicide threats or incidents, pandemic disease, and bomb threats. These plans are needed since natural disaster damage is only increasing. 67% of public schools reported at least one violent incident in 2021-22, and between 1969 and May 2022, annual school shootings increased over 12-fold.

This isn't to say that school is inherently a dangerous place, but incidents can and do occur within schools. Educators must be prepared with both the knowledge and tools to handle the real emergencies they may face.

Teachers prepared with real emergency kits, not “fun” teacher survival kits like those with games and snacks, are better prepared for the serious incidents they may face. This article will help teachers prepare for real emergencies and offer insights into the essential emergency kits they need.

 

Why Every Teacher Needs a Real Emergency Kit

Teachers are typically the first caregivers in emergencies. They lead students through safety plans, treat injuries when the nursing staff is unavailable, and act as the last line of defense during an incident.

This responsibility can give educators anxiety, especially when they’re not properly prepared. Having a well-stocked emergency kit not only equips teachers with the supplies they need but also eases their concerns.

A high-quality emergency kit will:

• Enhance student safety and well-being.
• Increase teacher confidence and preparedness.
• Improve ability to manage critical situations effectively.
• Quicken response times in medical emergencies.
• Expedite communication and organization during evacuations or lockdowns.

 

Essential Components of a Teacher Emergency Kit

Prep more than school supplies during your next back to school season. Teachers should have the following essentials in their emergency kit.

First Aid and Medical Supplies

In a school setting, where injuries and emergencies can happen unexpectedly, a comprehensive, pre-assembled first aid kit helps teachers respond quickly and effectively.

Unlike basic, store-bought kits, EmergencyKits.com’s first aid kits are expertly designed for school environments, offering high-quality, essential medical supplies for students and staff in one convenient package. These kits include hospital-grade bandages for quick wound care, antiseptic wipes to prevent infection, and pain relievers to manage headaches or minor injuries.

For more critical situations, they feature CPR masks to assist in resuscitation efforts, medical gloves for safe handling of injuries, and space for other needed supplies. For example, authorized student medications and allergy information to ensure every child receives proper care.

Communication Tools

Phones may not function during an emergency. Teachers need access to reliable communication, including at least one backup method. A whistle can be used for signaling, a small portable radio can be used to receive information, and potentially, a pre-charged power bank can be used for cell phones.

Lockdown Essentials

Throughout the school year, it's common for classrooms to practice regular lockdown drills. During an actual lockdown event, students and staff may need specific supplies to get them through.

These essentials include an emergency toilet, student names and emergency contacts, and blankets to reduce student anxiety. A lockdown kit can help teachers keep classrooms secure and students calm.

Evacuation Gear

Evacuating an entire school’s worth of students and staff is a serious undertaking. Having essential items for evacuation can help execute this safely.

Lightsticks for students, flashlights, a reflective vest for adults, and a map of the school evacuation routes are key. Reaching the designated school meeting point quickly and safely requires these helpful tools.

Comfort and Support Items

It's incredibly stressful for schools to lock down during natural disaster threats or other alarming incidents. Children are not survival experts, nor are they adults with the capacity to react appropriately during an emergency. Keeping students and staff calm is paramount. The potential emotional impact of these emergencies cannot be overstated.

This is why including small comfort items in all school supplies is important. Supplies like tissues, individually wrapped snacks, blankets, and an activity can help students and staff remain calm.

 

Assembling vs. Purchasing: The Value of Pre-Assembled Kits

When it comes to emergency preparedness, teachers have two viable options (since basic, store-bought kits are a poor option): assembling their own kits or purchasing a pre-assembled one. While a DIY approach may seem cost-effective at first, it can quickly become overwhelming between researching supplies, comparing prices, and ensuring nothing essential is overlooked. This is where EmergencyKits.com shines.

Experts design our pre-assembled, cost-effective teacher emergency kits to be comprehensive and immediately ready to use. Each kit is carefully curated to include high-quality, essential items, ensuring teachers have what they need in any emergency without the hassle of assembling it themselves.

Here are just a few of the kits available to schools:

• Bleeding Control Kits: These kits contain life-saving medical supplies to treat severe bleeding from major injuries. These kits can treat one to five victims, including tourniquets, pressure bandages, chest seals, and easy-to-follow instructions.
• Lockdown Emergency Kits: A school lockdown may require students and faculty to stay in their classrooms for four hours or longer. This kit provides access to essential supplies like food, water, and sanitation items, helping everyone stay safe until the "All Clear" is given.
• Teacher Emergency Kits: These kits are designed for teachers and provide the essential tools to protect and guide students in any situation, including supplies for all students.

While some may worry about cost, a pre-assembled kit offers long-term value and peace of mind, ensuring that no critical supplies are missing when they’re needed most. Investing in readiness means teachers can focus on what they do best: educating and protecting their students.

 

Storage and Accessibility Considerations

Teacher emergency kits should be stored in the classroom for quick access. The kit must be secure and protected from the elements, as well as from curious children, but also easy to reach at a moment's notice. It can be stored in a:

• Medicine cabinet
• Teacher desk
• Classroom supply closet
• Designated shelter-in-place area
• High wall hook near the classroom door

Teachers should familiarize themselves with the contents of the kit and practice using the items. That way, if disaster strikes, teachers will be ready.

 

Adhering to School Policies and Procedures

When teachers work with their school administration, it's easier to maintain consistency in emergency preparedness plans. Ultimately, the administration is responsible for establishing and enforcing school-wide emergency procedures.

To this end, it can be helpful for the administration and teachers to work together to create a classroom emergency plan checklist. This central guiding document will help all staff develop and adhere to new emergency policies and procedures.

This document should include step-by-step guidance on how to act during any number of possible emergencies. It should also include all of the contact information a teacher will need.

 

Ready to Protect, Ready to Teach

Preparedness is key to ensuring a safe learning environment, and by taking a proactive approach, educators can be ready for any emergency. A well-equipped, pre-assembled emergency kit is an essential tool that provides peace of mind and immediate access to critical supplies when every second counts.

Empowering teachers with the right resources means strengthening school safety as a whole, and investing in preparedness can make a huge difference. Take action now by exploring EmergencyKits.com for teacher emergency kits designed for every situation.