EarthEasy

What to Pack in 
Survival Kits For Children

Children can carry their own Survival Kit if it is an appropriate weight.

Taking into consideration the size and weight of your child, the following suggestions are designed (generally) to meet the needs of a child approximately 7-12 years old.

One difference between a child's survival kit and an adult's are items to psychologically keep them occupied during an emergency situation. Your goal as a parent is to keep them as calm and comfortable as you can.

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Begin by buying a quality backpack, then fill it with the appropriate items from the list below.

Feel free to personalize as needed for your child or children.

Food and Water:

  • 6 - Food Bars/Granola Bars
  • 6 boxes or packages water and/or Juice in Foil Packets
  • 10 Water Purification Tablets (each tablet purifies 1 liter of water) or small water purifier.
  • Crackers/Cereals (for munching)
  • Small Cans Tuna, Vienna Sausages, etc.
  • Candy (not anything that will melt) and gum

Emergency Supplies:

  • Polar Fleece Blanket
  • Emergency Poncho for Children
  • Body Warmer and/or Hand Warmers
  • Warm Winter Gloves
  • Emergency Space Blanket
  • Tube Tent
  • Emergency Sleeping Bag
  • Small Flashlight
  • 5-in-1 Survival Whistle
  • Glow Sticks - lasts for 24 hours each
  • Small Pocket First Aid Kit
  • N95 Respirator Dust Mask - NIOSH approved
  • Money - $15 - $20

Clothing

  • Change of Clothing (depending on the bulk and weight of the bag - otherwise put in adult bag)
  • Undergarments

Hygiene and Sanitation:

  • Hygiene Kit - Includes soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and wet wipes.
  • Pocket Tissue Packs
  • Washcloth
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Sunscreen
  • Shampoo

Entertainment:

  • Activity Coloring Book with Crayons
  • Notepad and pencil or pen
  • Card Game
  • Children's Toys - jump rope, paddle with ball, books, etc.

Tips:

  1. Update your child's bug out bag every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure that all food, water, and medication is fresh and has not expired, and clothing fits.
  2. Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.
  3. Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
  4. Every child's backpack should have a laminated page with parents' names and phone numbers, home address, local emergency contact people as well as one or more who are further away (a grandmother or other relative out of state). If a child gets separated from parents during an emergency, this information is vital.

Teaching your child how to use all of the items in their survival kit is just as important as filling it up. Talk to your child/children at least twice a year and go over the function of every item an emergency (earthquake, tornado, flood, etc.). But don't stop there, use everyday opportunities to share your knowledge of preparing. Especially when you're camping. Try and include fun activities where they are required to test their new found survival skills.

What advice do you have for parents who are building survival kits for their children?

Small Items for Children's Kits:

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