An emergency backpack for a child should contain an information card with their name, contact details, and medical information; a complete change of clothing appropriate for different weather; toiletries like toilet paper or wipes and diapers if needed; any necessary medication for 24 hours though cookies are not considered medication; a comforting letter and family photo from parents; and a non-perishable snack like granola bars though pasta is impractical, and the backpack should be light enough for the child to carry with their name and class on the outside.
2. INFORMATION CARD
A 3x5 card listing your child's name, birth
date, address, phone number names and
numbers of relatives and friends to be
contacted, and an out-of-state contact person
and number. Include information regarding
allergies.
3. CHANGE OF CLOTHING
A complete change of
clothing (i.e. oversized
sweatsuit) and a sweater
or jacket – appropriate for
2 weathers (hot and cold)
4. TOILETRIES
One roll of toilet paper, or
wipes and a maximum of
12 diapers, if used
5. MEDICATION
Any necessary medication for 24 hours
* note: chocolate chip cookies are not
recognized by the AMA or FDA as a
“necessary medication” but what do they
know.
6. LETTER FROM MOM & DAD
A letter from Mom and
Dad that would comfort or
reassure your child (and a
picture of the entire
family, if possible)
7. A SNACK
Any small snack food that
won't spoil or harm the
other contents of the pack
for one school year (or be
harmed by excessive
temperature) such as
granola bars.
* note: Penne Pasta (with
or without meatballs)
might not be the most
practical snack in an
emergency.
8. WHAT ELSE?
Be sure that the backpack is light enough for your
child to carry it without assistance.
Be sure to write your child’s name and class on the
outside of the backpack.
Bring your backpack with you to the first day of
school.
