Emergency Supplies Checklist for Schools
Schools are responsible for keeping students and staff safe during emergencies that may require shelter-in-place, lockdown, evacuation delays, or extended time inside classrooms. Having the right emergency supplies stored throughout campus helps staff respond calmly and effectively when normal routines are disrupted.
This checklist outlines the essential supplies many schools store as part of their emergency preparedness programs.
Shelter-in-Place Supplies for Classrooms
When students and staff must remain inside a classroom for an extended period, teachers should have access to basic emergency supplies that support safety and comfort.
Many schools store:
- Lockdown or shelter-in-place kits in each classroom
- Emergency food bars for short-term calorie support
- Emergency water pouches for hydration
- Basic sanitation items and gloves
- Flashlights and batteries
- Student accountability forms and emergency instructions
These items help teachers manage students during lockdowns, severe weather events, or other situations where movement through the building is restricted.
Emergency Supplies for Hallways and Common Areas
In addition to classroom supplies, schools often store emergency equipment in hallways, offices, and shared spaces.
Common items include:
- Floor warden kits for staff coordinating movement and accountability
- Search and rescue kits for trained personnel following an incident
- Mass casualty and bleed control kits in accessible locations
- Radios or communication tools
- High-visibility vests and signage
These supplies support coordinated response across the campus.
Food and Water Storage for Extended Emergencies
If students and staff must remain on campus for several hours or longer, schools may need access to emergency food and water.
Many districts store:
- Emergency food bars in classrooms or central supply areas
- Emergency water pouches with long shelf life
- Pre-calculated 72-hour ration kits for larger group planning
These supplies help maintain calm and order until parents, guardians, or authorities can safely reunite students.
Supplies for the School Office and Administration
Administrative offices often store additional preparedness materials, including:
- Student release and reunification forms
- First aid and trauma kits
- Incident documentation materials
- Extra radios and batteries
- Campus maps and emergency procedures
These items support coordination and communication during an incident.
Creating a Layered Preparedness Approach
Effective school preparedness does not rely on a single kit or storage location. Supplies are typically distributed across classrooms, offices, and central storage areas so that staff have access to what they need wherever they are during an emergency.
Related Emergency Supplies for Schools
Schools commonly store emergency supplies alongside:
- Shelter-in-place kits
- Emergency food bars
- Emergency water pouches
- Floor warden kits
- Mass casualty and bleed control kits