Building an Emergency Kit for Families with Children
When disaster strikes—whether it's a hurricane, earthquake, power outage, or evacuation—the last thing you want is to be scrambling for supplies while managing scared children. A well-prepared emergency kit gives you peace of mind and crucial resources when you need them most.
Why Families Need Special Preparation FEMA
Standard emergency kits don't account for children's unique needs:
Children require:
- Specific foods they'll actually eat
- Comfort items for emotional security
- Diapers and formula for babies
- Medications in child-appropriate doses
- Activities to manage stress and boredom
- Extra clothing as they grow and have accidents
Families face unique challenges:
- Children may not understand what's happening
- Kids can become frightened and need reassurance
- Childcare needs don't pause during emergencies
- Feeding schedules must be maintained
- Babies and toddlers can't communicate their needs clearly
Building Your Basic Kit American Red Cross
Start with essentials for the whole family:
### Water
- One gallon per person per day
- At least a 3-day supply (7 days is better)
- Include extra for mixing formula
- Water purification tablets as backup
- Don't forget water for pets
### Food
- At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food
- Choose foods your family actually eats
- Include a manual can opener
- Consider dietary restrictions and allergies
- Rotate stock every 6-12 months
### First Aid Kit
- Bandages in various sizes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Gauze pads and tape
- Scissors and tweezers
- Thermometer
- Pain relievers (adult and child versions)
- Any prescription medications
- First aid manual
### Tools and Supplies
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Extra batteries
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust masks
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Cell phone charger and backup battery
Child-Specific Supplies AAP
### For Babies and Infants
Feeding:
- Formula (ready-to-feed is safest without clean water)
- Bottles and nipples (at least 3-4)
- Baby food and spoons
- Bottle brush for cleaning
- Bibs and burp cloths
Diapering:
- Diapers (at least 3-day supply—babies use 8-10 per day)
- Wipes
- Diaper cream
- Plastic bags for disposal
- Changing pad
Comfort and care:
- Pacifiers (if used)
- Favorite blanket or lovey
- Infant pain/fever reliever
- Baby soap/shampoo
- Extra clothes (multiple changes)
### For Toddlers and Preschoolers
Food:
- Familiar snacks they'll eat under stress
- Sippy cups or water bottles
- Utensils they can use independently
- Comfort foods that don't require heating
Supplies:
- Pull-ups or diapers if still using
- Change of clothes (at least 3)
- Comfort item (stuffed animal, blanket)
- Simple activities (crayons, coloring book, small toys)
- Favorite books
Safety:
- Child-proof locks for containers with medications or cleaners
- Glow sticks (safer than candles around small children)
### For School-Age Children
Food:
- Snacks they enjoy
- Water bottle
- Comfort foods
Activities:
- Books and games
- Cards or travel games
- Art supplies
- Portable games (non-electronic or with batteries)
- Headphones for audio entertainment
Information:
- Copy of emergency contact list
- Photo ID (if evacuating)
- List of any medical conditions
Medical Supplies for Children AAP
Essential medications:
- Fever reducer (acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen)
- Any prescription medications (2-week supply)
- Allergy medication (antihistamine)
- Any rescue medications (EpiPen, inhaler)
- Diaper cream and antibiotic ointment
Medical equipment:
- Digital thermometer
- Medicine dropper or syringe for dosing
- Nasal aspirator for babies
- Ice pack (instant or reusable)
Documentation:
- Copy of vaccination records
- List of medications with dosages
- Doctor's contact information
- Health insurance cards
- List of allergies
Comfort Items Are Essential American Red Cross
During emergencies, children's emotional needs are just as important as physical needs:
Why comfort items matter:
- Provide sense of security and normalcy
- Help children self-soothe
- Reduce anxiety and fear
- Can help with sleep in unfamiliar settings
Include:
- Favorite stuffed animal or blanket
- Family photos
- A familiar book
- Comfort foods
- Something that smells like home
Sensory items:
- Noise-canceling headphones for loud situations
- Fidget toys for nervous energy
- Favorite music (on phone or portable player)
Activities and Entertainment FEMA
Boredom and fear are a dangerous combination for children:
Non-electronic options:
- Coloring books and crayons
- Playing cards and simple games
- Small building toys (LEGO, blocks)
- Books appropriate for age
- Paper and pencils for drawing
- Sticker books
Electronic options (with backup power):
- Tablets with downloaded content
- Portable game devices
- Audiobooks or podcasts
- Battery pack chargers
For different ages:
- Babies: board books, teething toys, rattles
- Toddlers: chunky crayons, simple puzzles, play dough
- Preschoolers: activity books, small figures, dolls
- School-age: chapter books, card games, journals
Special Needs Considerations FEMA
If your child has special needs:
Medical needs:
- Extra supply of any medical equipment
- Backup power for necessary devices
- Detailed care instructions
- Extra supplies (feeding tubes, catheters, etc.)
- Contact info for specialists
Sensory needs:
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Sunglasses for light sensitivity
- Familiar textures and objects
- Weighted blanket if portable
Communication needs:
- Communication device or backup
- Picture cards for non-verbal communication
- Written list of how child communicates needs
Where to Store Your Kit
Location matters:
- Accessible location you can reach quickly
- Away from extreme temperatures
- Consider multiple kits (home, car, work)
- Ensure all caregivers know where it is
Car kit:
- Smaller version of home kit
- Includes car seat accessories
- Emergency blanket
- Snacks and water
- Change of clothes
Maintaining Your Kit
Regular maintenance:
- Check expiration dates every 6 months
- Update as children grow (larger diapers, different foods)
- Rotate food and water
- Replace batteries
- Update clothing sizes
- Review and update emergency plans
Seasonal updates:
- Add sunscreen in summer
- Include warm clothing in winter
- Adjust water needs for climate
- Update medications for allergy seasons
Teaching Children About Emergency Preparedness
Age-appropriate preparation:
- Let older children help pack their own bag
- Practice evacuation drills
- Teach children their address and phone numbers
- Discuss what to do if separated
- Make it matter-of-fact, not scary
What to teach:
- How to dial 911
- Family meeting spots
- Who safe adults are
- Basic safety rules
The Bottom Line
Building an emergency kit for your family takes time but provides invaluable peace of mind. Include standard supplies plus child-specific items like diapers, formula, comfort objects, and age-appropriate activities. Update your kit as children grow and check it regularly. Being prepared helps you stay calm during emergencies—and your calm helps your children feel safe.
Clara can help you customize an emergency kit for your specific family needs!