Why Emergency Preparedness Matters in Schools

California schools are required to plan for emergencies such as earthquakes, fires, power outages, and lockdowns. The state sits on active fault lines and experiences frequent wildfires and severe weather. In these scenarios, students and staff may need to shelter in place for hours or even days until it is safe to leave or until help arrives.

To be ready, schools must have emergency supplies and kits on hand. These kits provide food, water, first aid, and basic necessities to keep students and staff safe and calm.

What California Law Says

While there isn’t a single law that says, “Every school must buy an emergency kit,” multiple regulations and guidelines create that expectation:

• California Education Code Section 32280–32289 requires schools to develop a Comprehensive School Safety Plan, which must include procedures for earthquakes, fires, and other emergencies. Supplies are a key part of this plan.

• California Government Code Section 8607 and the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) require schools to coordinate with local emergency services. Having supplies is part of that compliance.

• Cal/OSHA Regulations require workplaces (including schools) to have first aid supplies available.

• Many districts and county offices of education issue local mandates that specify what must be stored on site.

So while the law doesn’t dictate the exact contents of a kit, it clearly requires schools to be prepared — and that means stocking appropriate emergency supplies.

What Kits Typically Include

Most California schools keep some combination of:

• Classroom Emergency Kits: Buckets or backpacks with water, snacks, first aid, flashlights, and sanitation supplies.

• Student Comfort Kits: Individual bags with water, food, and personal items.

• Administrative/School-Wide Supplies: Larger bins or cabinets with blankets, radios, search-and-rescue tools, and medical supplies.

The goal is to provide enough for at least 72 hours of care.

Why Pre-Assembled Kits Save Time

Some schools try to gather supplies themselves, but this often leads to incomplete kits, expired food, or missing items. Pre-assembled emergency kits are:

• Time-saving: Ready to use without staff needing to shop and assemble.

• Compliant: Built to meet FEMA, Red Cross, and district guidelines.

• Long-lasting: Food and water with 5–25 year shelf lives reduce the need for constant replacement.

Purchasing Through Contracts

Schools don’t always need to run a new bid to buy kits. Many districts can purchase directly through state-approved contracts, co-op purchasing programs, or GSA schedules. This simplifies procurement and ensures pricing compliance.

Bottom Line

Yes — California schools are required to be prepared for emergencies, and that includes having the appropriate emergency kits and supplies. The exact requirements come from state safety codes, OSHA standards, and district policies.

More Prepared is a trusted supplier for schools across California, offering pre-assembled classroom kits, student kits, and cabinet supplies that meet district and state guidelines. We also make purchasing easy by being available on co-op and government contracts.

👉 Learn more about our school emergency kits here.