Why Most Classroom Emergency Kits Are Failing Our Schools

"They gave us a 5-gallon bucket and called it an emergency kit. I guess it’s something, but I’ve never been trained on it, and I know it’s missing the things we’d really need if something serious happened.".

Ms. Lee, 2nd Grade Teacher

Let’s break it down. Most classroom lockdown kits are designed with sheltering in place in mind, providing comfort, basic needs, and a sense of security for teachers and students during long waits. Many teachers say these items could help in stressful situations. The problem? While they’re useful for minor issues or extended lockdowns, they simply aren’t enough when it comes to saving a life in a true emergency. Here’s what you’ll typically find:

• 5-gallon bucket (for use as a toilet)
• Toilet supplies (bags, deodorizer, toilet paper)
• Snacks/food bars
• Deck of playing cards
• Bottled water
• Basic first aid kit
• Heavy-duty gloves (work gloves, not medical)
• Duct tape
• Flashlight
• Emergency blanket

What’s missing?

• Trauma tourniquet
• Wound and Bleeding Control Supplies
• Hemostatic gauze
• Burn dressings and burn jel
• Trauma shears
• CPR face shield
• Eyewash
• Glucose/aspirin for medical emergencies
• Medical-grade gloves
• Organization for quick access

Bleeding Control: The Critical Gap

In a mass casualty event, uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death.

• A person can bleed out in 3–5 minutes.

• First responders often arrive in 7–10 minutes.

• Without a tourniquet or trauma dressing, survival odds plummet.

Burns, Trauma, and Real-World Injuries

Lockdown kits rarely contain burn care, trauma shears, or advanced dressings. Yet, these are the supplies needed for real emergencies—whether it’s a shooting, accident, or severe medical incident.

Natural Disasters vs. Human Threats

Most natural disasters provide warning—schools can close or evacuate in advance.
But active shooter incidents, accidents, and sudden violence happen with no warning.
Comfort supplies are not enough. Life-saving medical care is essential.

Let’s talk about Mr. Carter, a fifth-grade teacher who always tries to be prepared for anything. One afternoon, during a hands-on science experiment, a student accidentally shattered a glass beaker. In the blink of an eye, a shard of glass deeply cut another student’s arm. Blood began to pool on the floor. Mr. Carter’s heart raced as he grabbed the classroom’s lockdown kit, only to find small bandages, snacks, and a pair of work gloves. There was nothing inside to stop severe bleeding—no trauma dressings, no tourniquet, no hemostatic gauze.

The school nurse was on the other side of the building, and the office was calling 911. But in those first critical minutes, Mr. Carter had nothing but paper towels and hope. He did his best, but by the time help arrived, the student had lost a significant amount of blood and needed to be rushed to the hospital.

Later, Mr. Carter said, “It was terrifying. I realized our kit had almost everything except what we really needed. If we’d had the right supplies, we could have done so much more while waiting for help.”

Emergencies don’t wait for the nurse or first responders to arrive. In those first few minutes, having the right tools at hand can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy. That’s why real emergency response kits, equipped for trauma, not just comfort, are essential in every classroom.

Parents play a crucial role in school safety. While schools are responsible for emergency plans, parents are powerful advocates for making sure those plans include the right supplies and training. Here’s how you can take action:

• Start the Conversation: Ask your child’s teacher or school administrator what emergency supplies are in each classroom. Are they equipped for real emergencies, or just the basics?

• Attend School Safety Meetings: Join PTA meetings, school board sessions, or safety forums. Raise questions about emergency preparedness and ask for transparency about what’s in classroom kits

• Advocate for Better Supplies: If your school’s kits are lacking, organize with other parents to request upgrades. Share information, articles, and real stories to build support.

• Request Training Opportunities: Encourage your school to provide teachers and staff with regular emergency response training, including how to use trauma supplies—not just basic first aid.

• Stay Informed and Involved: Keep your contact information up to date and familiarize yourself with your school’s emergency communication procedures

• Model and Teach Safety: Talk to your children about following instructions during emergencies and the importance of preparedness at home and school

• Share What You Learn: Spread the word by sharing this article with your PTA, other parents, and community leaders. The more people who understand what’s at stake, the more likely change will happen.

Remember: When parents speak up together, schools listen. Your voice can help ensure every classroom is truly ready for anything.

We’ve learned that while “toilet kits” and basic lockdown supplies may offer comfort, they often fall short when it comes to real emergencies. True preparedness means having the right tools and the confidence to use them—so teachers aren’t left hoping for help, but are ready to act when seconds count.

Every child deserves a classroom that’s equipped for more than just waiting out a lockdown. Every teacher deserves the peace of mind that comes from knowing they can protect their students in a crisis. And every parent has the power to help make that happen.

Let’s move beyond “better than nothing.” Let’s work together—parents, teachers, and school leaders, to ensure our classrooms are truly prepared for whatever comes next. Because when it comes to our children’s safety, good enough just isn’t good enough.

Some names and scenarios in this article have been changed or fictionalized for illustrative purposes.