Back To School Backpack Survival Kit
Have you considered making school survival kits for your kids’ backpacks? Now that school is about to start for the children or grandchildren in our lives, I highly recommend something like this for the special children in our families. I wrote this post in 2016, and having some of these items in your kid’s backpacks seems more critical now than ever.
I realize many people homeschool their children, but a survival kit could be placed in your car, and if you needed it, then each child would have their kit. You never know when a car accident or breakdown could happen, and you might be stranded on the freeway or some local streets in the city that might not be the safest. You want to try your best to be prepared for any eventuality, kids safety and comfort are important for us all to consider!
Specifically For Kids
These are for children’s backpacks in case an emergency happens at the school. I have heard and read about lockdowns at school. I want every child in the world to have a short-term survival kit for kids. Just start gathering items for your kid’s backpacks now and it’s a simple idea to put into practice.
Short-term Survival Kit
Here’s the deal: This is all about a short-term survival kit a child can carry with very little weight. It will have a snack and water if needed in an emergency. Of course, we would love to add more items, but it’s all about the weight, and it’s for a short period only.
I call it peace of mind, knowing they have a drink and a snack if they’re not allowed to leave the building or whatever circumstance may occur. They may even have to load a school bus to be removed from the school and transported to another area. You know what the kids will eat; trade out the snacks and keep the weight as light as possible. You can make the backpack as age-appropriate as you’d like. Let’s get started.
Survival Kit:
1. Laminated card with child’s name, address, and emergency phone numbers/contact information.
2. Write a short note telling your child you love them and add some words of encouragement if you are separated for an extended period.
3. Water: I added three emergency drinking water packets that last five years. The US Coast Guard approves them. Each packet contains 4.227 FL Oz and is easy to open, even for a small child.
They have a small tear area Datrex Emergency Water Packet or SOS Emergency Water Packets
4. Crackers with cheese-yes it is processed food, but it would help fill a tiny tummy in an emergency.
5. Lightsticks-remember it could become dark at the school or in the car depending on how you use this emergency kit and what time of day or season.
These are non-toxic, cool to the touch, have no heat, and no dangerous flame. You can add a flashlight, but then you would have to rotate the batteries and hope they don’t leak. LIGHT STICKS
Be Careful With Peanut Allergies
6. Peanuts-who wouldn’t love some peanuts? Unless, of course, you are allergic, you should put some other snack in the kit.
7. Jerky-most kids love jerky, and it’s filling.
8. Nature Valley snack bar-its crunchy and will take some time to eat.
9. All Natural Fruit Strip-most kids love fruit leather.
10. Emergency blanket: this would be great if the power goes out and it gets cold at the school. They can wrap themselves in the thin, life-saving, warm heat sheet. EMERGENCY BLANKET
Other Items to Consider
If your middle school or high school-aged kids use backpacks, consider adding menstrual pads or tampons and some wipes for personal hygiene issues. For all the kids, consider tissues, hair ties, deodorant, hand sanitizer, chapstick, and one of those small compact first-aid kits.
These are just a few ideas of what you might want to put in your child’s emergency kit. You never know what might happen at school. We have all seen on the TV or read in the newspaper about school lockdowns and the effects of a power outage.
We have heard about roads shut down and closed because of fires, floods, car accidents, etc. Let’s be prepared for the unexpected. I put all the above items in a small zippered clear make-up bag about 5 1/2 inches by 7 inches by 2 inches. 3-Pack Clear Vinyl Cosmetic Bag – Black
Weigh The Bag
We weighed the bag with the items above, except the “other items to consider.” That bag only weighed about 1.8 pounds. If I had placed cartons of water, the bag would have been too small to hold. Leakage from those boxed drinks can be a concern. Many schools won’t allow medications in backpacks, so I didn’t add those items.
I wanted to make a compact bag that was reasonably inexpensive and sturdy. This kit could be a real blessing to all our schoolchildren and teachers. You might consider suggesting this kit for all the kids in your child’s class so the whole class is prepared. Please consider kids’ backpacks ASAP with a few survival items.
72-Hour Kids Backpacks:
Final Word
It’s tough for all of us to see the news talking about our children’s and grandchildren’s schools that are involved in unthinkable shootings and bombings. Who would have ever guessed we would have to deal with such issues?
Do they have mental health issues? Were the criminals bullied? Who knows, but I hope we as a country can work through these terrible times and rise above them. Please be kind to one another.
We must set an example to others: not being nice doesn’t get you anywhere. Please catch your children doing something right; they will have more confidence and learn to love and accept others. May God bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Bus School Retro Style Depositphotos_676378338_S By Milkos, Backpack with Girl Depositphotos_377072454_S By Serezniy
Add a family photo to the note, pictures are a good comforter!
HI Jan, that is a great tip about adding a family photo! I’m going to go add it to the list right now, thank you so much! Linda
Numerous companies sell backpack armor. Soft armor is lighter but only rated for handguns. Unfortunately handguns aren’t the norm anymore. I’ve asked my son to consider homeschooling and to allow us to assist in it. The dangers are just too great with administration agendas, teachers behaviors and deadly violence combined with lack of real law enforcement officers.
I wish chapstick and a pack of crackers would cover the dangers of a school but society is collapsing and it’s no longer safe.
Thousand thumbs up for your comment, Matt. The sad thing is that there are millions of sheeple that have no idea how unsafe it is. They are in LALA land. Even here just a short distance from the southern border.
Hi Harry, you nailed it! Some people have no idea what is going on! Linda
Hi Matt, oh you are so right. I would be homeschooling my girls right now. I would not send them to public school, it’s too dangerous. I understand they need the social but they need the safety and to understand history. You nailed it on the lack of real law enforcement. We all know what you are talking about. Some people have no choice but to send them to public school because both parents must work. I hope your son lets you help homeschool. My friend was a public school teacher for 12 years. Then homeschooled her kids. They have great online programs. It was the best thing that ever happened to her kids. Linda
Linda, there are many ways to socialize homeschooled children!! My grandkids have socialization at church, in boys and girls clubs. They are socialized in many ways but the key thing that I have noticed is that they can converse with both kids their ages as well as with adults.
Hi Leanne, I totally agree with you. Years ago there was stigma about homeschooling, well things have changed. If I had known the tools you can get to homeschool your kids and grandkids nowadays I would have homeschooled my girls. Here’s an interesting story, my grandson was about 16 I think and he decided he wanted to do online homeschooling. He got straight A’s, his school time was three hours instead of 7 hours and he had no homework to bring home. He told me “Grandma, why would I go to school for 7 hours, and get the same education in 3 hours.” His senior year he did go to public school to start his Associate degree. I’ve often wondered why does it take 12 years to teach out kid to read, write, math, science and history. I know the teahers in Utah are so understaffed and need help, its not fair to them either. They should be paid more as well, just my two cents. Linda
So true, Matt. My daughter and son-in-law moved from an area that had some really violent issues in the elementary schools along with a lot of things that they didn’t want their young children learning at that age. They homeschool and I assist in the science arena (not my daughter’s area of expertise). As the children get older, they will learn from mom and dad and perhaps grandma about the things that are going on in the world at appropriate ages! The 3 older kids are also being taught how to shoot – dad set up a nice shooting range on their property. Of course, the kids do not have access to the guns unless dad is there!
That’s great hear!
I’ve been working the BB gun in between fishing with grandson. He’s 6. Hoping to be on the 22 by Christmas. He’s going deer hunting with us one day this year. (Don’t expect to get nothing that day cause he’s noisy lol but don’t care) Been teaching him to run the front end loader on the tractor and he’s into the planets so we’ve been to the Oklahoma science museum, Stafford air space museum and are waiting on the planetarium to reopen. We had a full discussion at his request of where our water came from so we visited the lake and fished then followed some pipes down and discussed chemical treatment and pumps which he understood from helping me with the swimming pool.
This one ain’t “confused” and knows the difference in a bull, steer and cow and don’t think he’s a cat.
Parenting and grandparenting don’t end ever.
My 13 year old grandson asked me the other day if I wanted him to show me how to shoot their pump action shotgun!! I am farm sitting for a few days and he is concerned that I’ll run into a rattlesnake and need to shoot it. I am proud that he could and would show me how to shoot the shotgun but I told him that I grew up shooting shotguns, .22 rifles and 30.06 rifles! He was suitably impressed with an old lady knowing how to shoot!! Accuracy is my problem, though, as I have not had the opportunity or should I say that I haven’t taken the opportunity to shoot the big guns!! I am a blackpowder enthusiast and have been shooting single shot guns for years! But I do have a modern pistol that I have had to learn how to shoot/clean, etc., because I hadn’t shot a modern gun in 35+ years!! Now my grandkids are eager to learn how to shoot the blackpowder rifles and pistol!!
As for “confusion” – saw a cartoon a while back: mom was sitting at the table doing something. Her daughter, dressed in a frilly dress, came up to her and said, “I think I’m a boy.” To which mom said, “Well, you’re NOT!!”
Sometimes I wonder what this world is coming to!
Oh that’s awesome! Teaching them to run a smoke pole is gonna be a great time. Very impressive
Hi Leanne, you are so blessed to live near your grandkids! I had some shutters installed in my house the other day (he helps his friend one day a week) and this installer guy was so nice, he asked me what I do for living. I said I teach emergency preparedness and food storage. He then said are you prepared to protect what I just saw walking through your home? Well, his family owns MGM Targets. OH MY GOSH! He and his family teach shooting all over the world. He is teaching the secret service snipers right now. He said i can’t say anything else. https://mgmtargets.com/about-us/?v=7516fd43adaa He was packing 5 and had 7 in his truck. I was in heaven talking to him. He told me his wife teach classes for women just like me. It was a cartwheel moment for me. He also told me do not tell anyone what you have. I said it’s too late I write a blog. LOL! Linda
My daughter is now 39 but when she was in elementary school, we parents were required to send a pack (zip lock bag) of emergency supplies. We had a list, but I cannot recall all that was actually on the list! What I did was made up not only what the school required but added to it: I put in a collapsable cup, emergency blanket, additional snacks, additional water, tissues, wipes, etc. I also put mine in a vacuum sealed bag. The school stored those bags for possible emergencies and sent the unopened bags home at the end of the school year.
IF I had a child in public or for that matter, private school, and the emergency bag was a school thing, I think the school should take it a step further! The emergency bag should be for the individual child but parents should be able to find out what exactly the school is doing should an emergency occur! For example, does the school store bottled water? hygiene products? comfort items? etc. Parents NEED TO KNOW!!
Hi Leanne, I remember seeing a woman at school board meeting asking what her children would be taught. They refused to disclose the curriculum. When I was a young mother, i just sent my girls to school with no worries at all. Well, things have changed. New York Times quote: “Rhode Island mom Nicole Solas slammed an area teachers’ union she claimed harassed her and made her the topic of a “secret meeting” after she made a records request regarding the district’s curriculum”. I’m with you on the bottles water at the school. We as parents would love to know their emergency plan in case of a lockdown or disaster. Linda
I read about a mother who requested the curriculum for her child. Had to submit a formal written request. She never received the curriculum and then the school or school board sued her. I just read a few days ago that she was countersuing the school.
I have 3 nieces who are public school teachers. I would love to see one nieces class room and curriculum (3rd grade teacher). She has 2 gay brothers and her youngest child (now 18) is trans. So, she is fully supportive of the “alphabet soup” part of humanity! Just wonder if she has pride paraphernalia in her class room; or if she ever brings that sort of thing up in the process of teaching???!!!
Hi Leanne, I would think we should have the right to know what is being taught to our kids. I was so naive back in the day I didn’t think anything about the curriculum. Boy have things changed. We would be lined up for polio vaccinations at school, no parental paperwork when I was in school. But I’m 74! LOL! Linda
Matt
I also have a musket (.58 caliber) that can be used as both “rifle” or as a “shotgun”. That is an awesome gun!!
Hi Leanne, you are the best! I love this, Linda
Absolutely brilliant article and as always Matt’s comments are terrific. For those without a peanut allergy I’d put in a packet of Keebler Cheese and Peanut Butter Crackers and either M&M Peanut Candy or a bag of them mixed with raisins or craisins and cashews. Very nutritious and kids love it.
Matt, didn’t get my first .22 until I was 8, but I’d been hunting and fishing with my grandpa since I could walk. Good going, man.
Hi Ray, you were blessed to have a grandpa that taught you so many things! I would want all the treats you mentioned! I have a jar of M & M peanuts all the time. Thank you for your kind words, Linda
For all of those with concerns about your children’s school curriculum I’d encourage you to check out and even support the 1776 Project. They fund political campaigns for Conservatives running for school boards and it’s a great first step in taking back power for our children’s education. They have been very successful. I joined them early this year as a “Founder” donating $17.76 per month to the cause. Oh, they also educate educators about the values inherent in protecting and maintaining our Constitutional Republic.
Here’s a link https://1776project.org
Hi Ray, oh my gosh, I love this, thank you!!!! Linda
Several years ago, we had a number of fake calls about someone shooting in a school, mostly high schools. The police and other law enforcement agencies had to respond in case it was real. Once the building was clear, the student had to be moved to an off site location for parents to pick up. For safety purposes, students were not allowed to take backpacks or purses.
Just like when we were in school, there are monthly fire drills and in my area from March to the end of the year and then in Sept. and October, we have tornado drills. Last April those tornado drills came in handy when a very large storm system came through spawning tornados. Part of the tornado protocol is that schools will not dismiss students during this type of storm. One of the rules in place “just in case” and had never been used before. Part of the protocol is that all parents there to pick up students are invited to shelter the storm in the building with their child. Basically the schools did not want the children and parents in a car during a storm dropping tornadoes like fall leaves. I was out of state for my brother’s funeral and what I heard when I returned was that some parents were infuriated by this decision claiming it was their right to take their child regardless of the weather (ironically some of these were ones who ended up losing their home to a tornado while they were at the school arguing with school officials) Were the school overstepping their boundaries that day? I really don’t know but watching the storms on a TV channel 1500 miles away, I think that keeping the kids in a building safe for an hour to 1.5 hours until the storm was over was smart. The majority of parents came into the buildings and rode out the storms with their child/children. In an elementary school with a storm like that kids are going to be scared and the more adults the better to help with scared kids. That day almost 400 homes had major damage up to being totally destroyed, another 400+ had minor damage of some type.
I don’t get the schools that won’t give at least an outline of the curriculum. Often they can’t give parents a copy of the curriculum ‘cuz those things are expensive but every district I’ve worked in the parents can come in and review the curriculum or textbook in the building. No curricula is able to cover everything with as much depth as we would like. I went through school in Virginia, there history began in 1607 and ended in Appomattox VA in 1865. OK maybe a lot of sarcasm there but if it didn’t happen in Virginia, there wasn’t time to cover it. I would have liked to learn more about WWI and WW2 That being said, I know far move about the Revolutionary War and Civil War than most people.
Hii Topaz, wow, you have gone through so many tornadoes!!! I remember something about clear plastic backpacks when you talked about no backpacks. It’s interesting how things change and they must change for the good of the community. I feel sorry for the parents of children who want to make a “statement” and the schools have to lockdown. I have often thought about some of the school shootings, why didn’t the parents know, some did and some may have not known how to handle that troubled child. Mental health is rampant, this is why we must all be kind to one another. There are people who need help for sure. Life has sure changed in my 74 years. Stay safe, Linda
I wish there was an easy solution to the gun violence in schools. It is a very complex problem and everyone has to work together for a solution and stop pointing fingers at others and say it is caused by them….. to quote a cartoon strip… “I have found them and it is us”….
This year has been a rough one with weather. In April we had the worst tornadoes to hit the are with all that damage. Then a bit over a week ago, we had the 80 to 90 mph winds with a thunderstorm that It almost all of the city. I’m happy to say everyone finally has power resumed, the lasts were 9 days after the storm. Clean up may take months. The tree folks are going full force and there is still so much more to do. We live in a tornado, blizzard, extreme heat and extreme cold area, this year the storms are just stronger than normal.
Hi Topaz, I’m glad you made it through another storm, wow, clean up may take months. Two years ago we had so much snow, more than we had seen in years, luckily no flooding from the runoff. Every year is different. My husband went on a cruise many years ago and we saw the aftermath of a hurricane, not sure which one, but the only place we could get water or food was one restaurant. Hard Rock Cafe. When we got back on the ship, even that was scary, we had to take boats out to the ship to board. It’s all about memories. Glad you’re okay, Linda