Shaking Up Preparedness: The Essential Earthquake Emergency Kit for Schools
03-19-2025
Almost 75% of the United States could experience earthquakes at any time. Some areas are more susceptible than others, but the potential for sudden and unexpected incidents means that preparedness is vital.
These disasters can strike at any time, meaning schools have a unique responsibility for the safety of children during an earthquake. This article will provide guidance on creating and acquiring essential earthquake emergency kits for schools.
Understanding the Risks: Earthquakes and Schools
Earthquakes are powerful and unpredictable natural events caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. These plates can get stuck, and when they suddenly break free, the resulting shaking can be significant. It's important to remember that earthquakes can be accompanied by foreshocks (smaller quakes before the main event) and aftershocks (smaller quakes that follow), which can last for extended periods.
For schools, this means being prepared for sudden and potentially prolonged shaking. While predicting the exact timing of an earthquake is still challenging, understanding the potential for these events allows us to take proactive steps to protect our students and staff.
Aftershocks and foreshocks can be dangerous, but the closer a school is to the epicenter, the worse the shaking will be. Older buildings and crowded classrooms can intensify the damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains an Earthquake National Risk Index that can help anticipate possible disaster risk.
For example, we can see that Charleston, South Carolina, is at a 98.9% risk, and earthquake-prone Los Angeles, California is at a 100% risk. Importantly, even areas of the country with few active faults are at risk, like Minneapolis, Minnesota, which still scores at a 53.9% risk. This means that every school in the nation must be prepared for an earthquake.
The Importance of a School Earthquake Plan
A comprehensive school-wide earthquake plan can be based on a combination of FEMA recommendations, local district requirements, and city guidelines. Key steps include:
- Teach students to immediately take cover under desks or sturdy furniture during an earthquake. Conduct regular earthquake drills to ensure students and staff know the correct procedures.
- Identify and mark safe exit routes and assembly points outside the school.
- Stock first aid kits, water, food, flashlights, and other emergency essentials in accessible locations.
- Regularly inspect school buildings for earthquake-resistant structures and necessary reinforcements.
- Establish a system to contact parents, emergency responders, and school officials after an earthquake. Create a process for safely reuniting students with parents/guardians after an earthquake.
- Develop a plan to check for injuries, assess building damage, and determine when it's safe to return inside.
- Work with local emergency services and authorities to align the school's earthquake response plan with broader disaster preparedness efforts.
Regardless of position, all staff must be trained in emergency response, first aid, and student supervision. Even sanitation staff should be prepared for emergency response and safe child management.
Essential Components of a School Earthquake Emergency Kit
Essential emergency supplies keep the whole school safe. An earthquake can cause sudden and drastic damage to the school, the surrounding area, and essential infrastructure.
Schools can be left without running water and contact with the outside world for hours and potentially days. School emergency kits need to be capable of supporting the entire student and staff population through long-term survival.
First Aid and Medical Supplies
Schools need comprehensive emergency kits tailored for earthquake-related injuries such as cuts, sprains, and head injuries. Many of the injuries from earthquakes are blunt, penetrating, and crush traumas due to building partial and full collapse.
A first aid manual is needed to help inexperienced staff and even older students treat these injuries. Essential supplies like antiseptic wipes, bandages, and gloves will be useful in wound treatment. Pain relievers help young, scared children calm down and remain mobile after minor injuries.
Pre-assembled first aid kits from EmergencyKits.com are made with the highest quality materials and comprehensive classroom emergency supplies.
Communication Tools
There is no guarantee that phones will work after an earthquake. For example, after the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, mobile and landline phones were down for four days.
In these cases, a whistle is a simple tool that can be extremely helpful when signaling for help, especially in instances where young children are separated from adults. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can be used to receive emergency information from the local government.
Schools should have a backup communication plan involving walkie-talkies and a designated contact person in case of emergencies. When phone lines are working, school personnel can use a list of emergency contact numbers, including school officials and emergency services.
Search and Rescue Tools
If sections of the building or the entire school are damaged, then it may be necessary to use search and rescue equipment to find missing staff and students. Tools like small, lightweight shovels or trowels are useful for clearing debris. A fire extinguisher is helpful for putting out damage-induced fires.
All searchers will need work gloves to handle broken glass and other hazards. A flashlight with extra batteries or a hand-crank flashlight is helpful in all-natural disasters.
Shelter and Comfort Items
Schools may need to shelter in place after an earthquake, and it may take time for emergency services, parents, and guardians to reach the school. Emergency water and food will be necessary during this time.
It's recommended to keep three full days of emergency food and water available for all students and staff. Water purification tablets or a portable water filter are helpful. Non-perishable food like energy bars and protein bars help sustain students and staff.
In the case of demolished buildings, emergency blankets for warmth and ponchos or rain gear for protection from the elements will be needed. Comfort items are also helpful, especially for younger students. These could include small toys, games, books, and coloring supplies.
Personal hygiene products like an emergency toilet system and hand sanitizer are also needed.
Important Documents
Keep a copy of the school emergency plan and maps of the school and surrounding area with every emergency kit. Additionally, store copies of the student rosters with emergency contact information. This roster should also include the student’s designated classroom/schedule for headcount purposes.
An earthquake is a startling, hectic time. During such events, these important documents help keep everyone organized and safe.
The Value of Pre-Assembled Emergency Kits
Preparing for emergencies is crucial, but assembling a complete, reliable kit from scratch can be time-consuming and expensive for school districts. This is where EmergencyKits.com makes a difference with expertly designed, ready-to-use emergency kits that ensure schools are fully prepared for disaster.
DIY kits require extensive research, shopping, and time to compile. Pre-assembled kits save time, eliminate guesswork, and are designed by survival experts who know exactly what's needed in an emergency. While pre-assembled kits may have a higher upfront cost, they offer substantial long-term value, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ensuring nothing critical is overlooked.
EmergencyKits.com's earthquake-specific emergency kits for schools are stocked with essential supplies that help ensure the well-being of students and staff. These kits are built to meet safety standards and provide immediate, reliable support when disaster strikes.
Storage and Maintenance of Earthquake Kits
Since students and staff frequently move around the school, emergency kits should be placed in key areas like classrooms, offices, and common shelter spots. Keep kits away from windows and tall furniture to avoid falling debris.
Keep some kits in outdoor safe zones so there are accessible emergency supplies in case of building collapse. It's important to conduct regular inspections of all kits. You'll need to replenish certain supplies such as food, water, and batteries. Use this checklist to help.
- Check dates on supplies
- Test devices (such as radios and flashlights)
- Update for student headcount
- Replace supplies as quickly as possible
- Make the date of the last inspection
Working with Emergency Responders
Coordinating with local emergency management agencies and the community increases a school's ability to successfully respond to disaster. Local emergency response groups can provide helpful evacuation information and give exact directions during an emergency.
Just as staff needs to be trained for earthquake response, parents and guardians also need training. Schools should consider sending out information on what guardians should do during an emergency. Inform concerned families what numbers to call after a quake and where they should best gather to reach their children.
Building a Safer School Community
Proactive planning creates a safer school community for all students and staff. Schools can use this preparedness guide to keep students safe.
For more safety equipment, browse EmergencyKits.com's selection of school earthquake kits and contact EmergencyKits.com for customized solutions or bulk discounts.
