Saying goodbye to the lazy days of summer and starting another school year is the perfect time to get organized. Whether it is your child’s first year or their last, there is one important question every parent should ask:
Am I prepared?
When I work with families who have children, one of the first things I ask is whether they know their child’s school emergency plan.
We send our kids off to school for six to eight hours a day, assuming they will be safe. Most days, they are. But if there were an emergency, such as an earthquake, fire, or lockdown, would you know exactly what to do?
The good news is that back-to-school emergency preparedness is simple and manageable. Here are five steps to help you and your child feel prepared and confident.
1. Know the emergency plan for your child’s school
Start by familiarizing yourself with your school’s emergency procedures. This information is often available on the school’s website, or you can call the office directly.
The most important detail to identify is the reunion procedure.
• Is there a designated reunion gate
• Where is it located
• Is there an off-campus evacuation site in the event of a fire
Some schools also provide a special emergency phone number. If so, save it in your phone and share it with your spouse, partner, or caregiver.
School emergency plans are created with your child’s safety in mind. If the plan is ever activated, following it carefully helps ensure the safest outcome for everyone.
If you are also thinking about what your family would need in an evacuation, you may find it helpful to read our guide on what to include in a family go bag and emergency kit.
2. Update your emergency contact card
Your child’s emergency contact card determines who is allowed to pick them up in the event of an emergency.
Review and update this card at the beginning of every school year. Pay attention to changes during the year as well. If your child forms a close friendship with someone who is not listed, your child will not be released to them.
3. Provide an emergency kit for the classroom
Many schools require each student to have a personal emergency kit stored in the classroom. You can create one yourself or purchase a ready-made kit.
A basic kit may include:
• Water
• A food bar
• A flashlight or light stick
• A small note from you
For younger children, remember this is not a goodbye note. It is a reassurance note. Something like:
“Mommy or Daddy will be there as soon as possible. You are safe, and I love you.”
4. Create a backpack information card
Place a laminated emergency card inside your child’s backpack with:
• Your child’s name
• Parent or guardian names
• Phone numbers
Teach your child at least one parent’s phone number by heart so they can contact you if needed.
5. Share medication instructions with the office
If your child has allergies or requires medication such as an EpiPen, make sure at least two staff members know where the medication is stored and how to administer it.
Due to staffing cuts, many schools no longer have a nurse on campus five days a week, so clear communication is essential.
Prepared, not panicked
A lot is happening in the world. While we cannot predict every situation, we can prepare.
If you want to build a complete, step-by-step plan, you may also want to read our quick guide on getting organized for an emergency and creating a clear family plan. If you want a detailed, step-by-step way to prepare your family, including school, home, and evacuation planning, you can find everything organized in our Emergency Preparedness Guide available here: Emergency Preparedness PDF
Starting the school year prepared brings peace of mind to parents, children, and caregivers alike.
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Emergency Preparedness Expert Cari Butler has over 15 years of teaching experience and is a Westside Los Angeles mom. Her interest in emergency preparedness began when her daughter started school and was required to have a personal emergency kit — raising a simple but powerful question: Why shouldn’t everyone have one?Cari now offers personalized emergency preparedness consultations and customized kits for families and businesses throughout Los Angeles.
