I’ve been dreading this post since I decided to write it. But it’s unfortunately a reality that we need to think about. I have a former student who survived a nationally known incident at a local district a few years ago and I think about her and that situation constantly. I also think about what I’d have to have done if that was my classroom or school. I’ve definitely considered things a little more, and what I’d want to do to make my students as comfortable as possible or what I’d need in the worst case scenario. Here’s what my list looks like.

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• Bucket, trashbags, curtain, toilet paper, wet wipes, kitty litter – Essentially, a toilet situation. Unfortunately, this can be a makeshift toilet if you are stuck a long time. Especially with younger classes, it may just be something that has to be dealt with. Giving a place for students to use the restroom will at least help if you are stuck. Kitty litter can help cover any smells. If you don’t have a lot of space, a shower curtain can help give some privacy. If you have a bigger area that is out of the way that is hidden like a huge instrument closet, I’d spring for a pop up tent. They even have packs you can buy online that have all the essentials together.
  

• Wet wipes are great for small messes.
• Clorox wipes if there is a student mess (pro tip – Fresh scent may sound great but as someone with allergies, “fresh” scents trigger my sneezing).
• Tissues if you have students who have the sniffles, or are scared.
• Small trash bags (the scented bathroom can liner kind) or poop bags to put trash in.
• Trauma bandages – A number of years ago, a sheriff came to my school to do our lockdown drills and was talking about this particular type of bandage which can actually help save people (or at least give first responders time) in the worst case scenario. If something went through a person, you would need one on front and back.

• Allergy free snacks, fruit snacks, lollipops – students may get hungry. Getting some shelf stable snacks to keep in your room isn’t a bad idea, and lollipops can help younger students keep quiet.
• Mini bottles of water
• Phone cords/Chargers – make sure you have battery power
• Extra house key in case you need to leave and can’t go back in.
• Barracuda door defense system – I saw this and thought it looked pretty sturdy. There are outward and inward swinging door options.

• Comfort toys or fidgets– If you are stuck a long time or if you have to find something to keep kids busy.
• Black tape to cover shoes that light up
• Scissors, marker, pen, paper – if you need a tool for something, you have it. (like cutting tape)
• Travel blanket – if for some reason you have an air-conditioning unit blasting right where your students are hiding, or just for comfort.
• Sharpie – For writing signs, for marking a student if there is an emergency (can’t believe I have to say that), or other things like that.
• Flashlight/lantern because even though your lights should be off, you never know if you’ll need something.

Some Tips

Keep any emergency supplies in one area of the classroom, even better if it’s close to your lockdown area.

• First aid kit
• CPR Mask/Portable CPR masks
• Medical supplies if you have a student that has something they bring with them (epipens, inhalers)
• Your purse and car keys so if you need to take them out and can’t get back in you can.
• School emergency documents

Have a written out list of what you need to do. EX: Pull shades, close windows, turn off lights etc. Older students can help with some things.

Keep a printed copy of your phone numbers for your school, principal, and office in the lockdown area.

Take a peek at some of the things I saved on my lockdown supply list here.

I hope this has given you a few ideas if you want to expand your safety area.