Classroom Management

How to Prepare for Any School Emergency

Prepared for Emergency
Be Ready to Get Ahold of Others

In addition to posting emergency numbers next to  your phone, also identify numbers for…

  • how to dial out of your phone system
  • how to reach the custodian
  • how to reach the principal, dean or colleague in an adjoining room

Be Prepared for Jobs Big and Small

To your basic first aid kit, you might consider adding…

  • a box with safety pins
  • a flashlight
  • a sewing kit
  • a lighter
  • a pad of paper
  • a red and black Sharpie
  • a multi-tool
  • hand sanitizer
  • zip ties
  • two trash bags
  • hand warmers
  • rubber bands
  • clothespins

Have Things on Hand for a Personal Crisis

Prep a second box with personal items you might need including…

  • Tums
  • pain-relievers
  • Pepto Bismal
  • feminine products
  • stain stick
  • tissues
  • a microwaveable meal
  • greeting cards and a few gift cards (in case you forget an event or birthday)
  • a comb
  • wet wipes
  • mints
  • a toothbrush and toothpaste
  • a change of clothes

Keep Info Easily Accessible

Consider a bright red binder that includes…

  • class lists
  • your school’s emergency plan
  • your personal schedule
  • a master schedule
  • a contact list for your school and your district

How do you make your classroom ready for a crisis?

Would you add anything to these lists?

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Dougherty

Sarah Dougherty, a visual arts curriculum coordinator, is a former AOEU Writer and elementary school art educator. She loves working with diverse populations to bring art into students’ homes, communities, and everyday lives.

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