how to create your personal emergency kit?

"After the February Christchurch earthquake it became apparent that we were not doing enough to prepare ourselves for an emergency situation. Especially an event that could mean that we would be looking after students for an extended period of time.  In 2011 we started an initiative that involved students creating their own personal emergency kits.  This way, every child would be catered for in regards to food and medication and it was easily accessible within the classroom.

Each child took home a notice with details on what to include in their kit as well as an information form to attach to the outside.  The kits were to be in an ice container and contain:
- a can of food that the child would actually WANT to eat
- boiled lollies or barley sugars
- personal medication eg. inhalers
- something small to keep the child entertained eg. crayons, toys, cards....

The form that was attached to the outside of the kit consisted of:

• Childs Name
• Address and caregivers contact details
• Medical conditions/allergies
• The names of 3 or 4 other caregivers that were allowed to pick the child up if primary care givers were unable.

This last part of the form was vital especially considering Titahi Bay could quite quickly and easily become inaccessible.

These kits were quite easily set up by our school families and with very little hassle or expense.  To keep them updated we send them home with a new form for the food and other contents to be replaced and sent back to school."