Emergency Kit Storage and Deployment Planning
The container used for emergency supplies affects how easily those supplies can be stored, inspected, transported, identified, and deployed. The best option depends on where the kit will be kept, who will move it, how quickly it must be accessed, and the amount of equipment it must hold.
Schools, workplaces, public agencies, healthcare facilities, and response teams may use several container types within the same preparedness program.
Choose the Right Container Type
Consider the intended use of the supplies:
- Pails, boxes, and compact cases work well for classrooms, offices, vehicles, individual departments, and smaller kit configurations.
- Totes and hard cases provide organized storage for medical supplies, tools, documents, electronics, and other equipment.
- Rolling bins and mobile containers support larger facility, campus, and multi-person supply configurations.
- Backpacks and go bags allow personnel to carry supplies during evacuation, field response, or movement between locations.
- Duffels and equipment bags provide flexible storage for bulky supplies, team equipment, and response materials.
- Water-resistant or sealed cases may be appropriate for items requiring additional protection from moisture, dust, or handling.
- Tamper-evident seals and identification labels help organizations track inspections and identify kit contents, locations, and responsible departments.
Storage and Handling Considerations
Before selecting a container, consider:
- Total weight when fully packed
- Whether the kit will be carried, rolled, lifted, or transported by vehicle
- Available shelf, closet, floor, or vehicle-storage space
- Doorways, stairs, elevators, and other movement restrictions
- Frequency of inspection and replenishment
- Exposure to moisture, heat, dust, or outdoor conditions
- Need for tamper evidence or restricted access
- Visibility and identification during an emergency
- Whether multiple containers must remain together as one complete kit
Avoid creating containers that are too heavy or difficult for the intended personnel to move safely. Larger supply configurations may need to be divided among multiple numbered containers.
Custom Packing, Labels and Multi-Site Programs
More Prepared can help organizations select containers, divide supplies among multiple bins or bags, create standardized packing configurations, and apply custom identification labels.
Custom labels can identify kit type, capacity, department, building, storage location, inspection information, or other organization-specific details. Numbered labels and tamper-evident seals can also support ongoing inspection and replenishment procedures.
Containers and bags are available individually and in bulk quantities. Volume pricing, purchase orders, tax-exempt ordering, contract purchasing, custom kit assembly, and coordinated multi-site delivery are available for qualifying organizations.
Need help selecting containers or designing a standardized storage system?
Request a quote or call 888.733.7245.
