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.

Suggested Items For Child's Go-Bag

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:

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.
Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.
Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
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.