Creating an Effective Classroom Emergency Response Kit: What to Include and How to Pack a 5-Gallon Bucket
A 5-gallon bucket can hold a reasonable amount of emergency supplies, but the quantity of items you can fit will depend on the size and shape of the items and how efficiently you pack them. The bucket can be also used as a step into and out of a window. Here's a rough estimate of how much of the supplies mentioned earlier you could fit into a 5-gallon bucket:
Communication Devices: A cell phone charger or power bank can easily fit in a small bag or pouch within the bucket.
First Aid Supplies: Ace wrap, tourniquets, wound packing material, and adhesive tape can fit inside the bucket.
Emergency Evacuation Supplies: Floor plans or maps to help plan escape routes or identify your location.
Personal Identification and Contact Information: A printed list of student/employee names and emergency contact numbers can fit.
Emergency Blankets: A few lightweight emergency blankets can be folded and placed inside the bucket.
Water and Non-Perishable Snacks: A small quantity of bottled water and non-perishable snacks can be included, but this may take up a significant portion of the space.
Door-Stop Devices: Depending on their size, you may be able to fit one or two door-stop devices.
Communication Plan: Printed instructions of the P.A.C.E communication method.
Training Materials: Instructions on what to do in an active shooter situation and emergency contact numbers can also fit.
Portable Classroom Lockdown Tools: Depending on their size, you might be able to fit one or two portable door barricade devices.
Stress Reduction Materials: Stress-relief toys or calming activities can fit as long as they are relatively small.
Emergency Medicine: If included, items like an EpiPen or aspirin can fit in the bucket.
Keep in mind that it's essential to prioritize the most critical items and consider the size and weight of each item when packing the bucket. You may not be able to fit a large quantity of water or snacks, for example, but including a small amount for immediate use can be helpful. Additionally, make sure the items are well-organized and easily accessible within the bucket for quick deployment during an emergency.