Emergency Go Bag for Kids

An emergency is especially unsettling for children. Suddenly everything is different: unfamiliar places, lots of people, tense adults. A well-packed emergency kit can do more here than just supply food and clothing. It gives children something to hold on to. A familiar stuffed animal, their own water bottle, a book they know – things like these help them feel a little bit at home, even when they’re not at home. In this article, we’ll show you what belongs in a go bag for kids, depending on their age.

The foundation: the BBK list

The BBK (Germany’s Federal Office of Civil Protection) recommends a separate backpack for each family member. The same basic list applies to children as to adults: food for two days, water, clothing with weather protection, hygiene items, a flashlight, and a blanket or sleeping bag – adjusted to age and size. The BBK also names one item that applies only to children: a neck pouch or SOS capsule with name, date of birth, and address.

The ID tag: the most important item first

During an evacuation, in an emergency shelter, or in a crowd, children can get separated from their parents. Young children often can’t reliably say what their name is, where they live, or how to reach their parents. A neck pouch or SOS capsule solves this problem. It should contain:

• The child’s first and last name, date of birth, and address,
• names and phone numbers of the parents and of a contact person outside the region,
• important health information, such as allergies or medical conditions that helpers should know about,
• a recent photo of the child in the parents’ document folder, so you can show it in an emergency.

Talk with your child, in an age-appropriate way, about what the capsule is for: If you can’t find me, show it to a person in uniform, such as a police officer, firefighter, or paramedic.

Babies and toddlers

At this age, parents carry the gear. So plan for space in your own backpack or use a baby carrier so you have your hands free. The emergency kit should include:

• Diapers and wipes for several days, plus a changing pad,
• baby food that suits your child; if you use formula, also packaged water, bottles, and nipples,
• a change of clothes in several layers, a hat, and a warm blanket,
• pacifier, favorite toy, comfort blanket,
• copies of the birth certificate, the child’s checkup booklet, and the vaccination record.

For babies with special dietary needs, it’s best to ask at your pediatrician’s office what makes sense for an emergency.

Preschoolers and elementary school children

From about this age, children can carry a small backpack of their own. It should stay light – a few things that belong to them and that they need themselves:

• Water bottle and a few snacks that your child likes and that keep for a long time,
• rain poncho or rain jacket, hat, spare socks,
• a child-friendly headlamp or flashlight,
• stuffed animal, a book, coloring supplies, or a small card game,
• a whistle the child can use to get attention – but explain when it’s okay to use it.

An adult carries the change of clothes, hygiene items, and most of the food.

Older Children and Teens

Older children and teens can carry their own backpack with a complete set of basic gear, of course at a weight that suits them. Involve them in the planning. Let them pack their own backpack, then go through it together with them afterward. Anyone who understands why something is in the backpack will also think along in an emergency. In basic training, we learned that people act far better when they know the reason for a task. The same is just as true for teens.

Also give them a copy of the emergency contact list, the address of the family meeting point, and a small power bank for their phone.

Health and Medications

If your child needs medication regularly, talk to your pediatrician or pharmacist about how to build up a small supply for the go bag and store it properly. Put a copy of the medication schedule and any important medical records in the document folder. Also think about sunscreen and bandages with fun designs – they often comfort better than any words.

Preparing Without Scaring Your Kids

Children sense when adults are nervous. So talk about preparedness calmly and matter-of-factly, the way you would about a fire extinguisher or a bike helmet: We have this so we’re well prepared. Turn packing into a shared activity and practice the route to the meeting point on a walk. What’s familiar is less frightening.

Adjust Regularly

Kids grow fast. So check the go bag at least twice a year: Do the clothes still fit? Does your child still like the snacks? Are the phone numbers and photo still correct? Daylight saving time changes in spring and fall are a good reminder.

In short: Give every child an ID tag with their name, date of birth, address, and contacts. Pack by age – toddlers need space in a parent’s backpack, older children carry a light one of their own. Familiar items like a stuffed animal and a favorite book absolutely belong in the bag.

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General information, no substitute for individual advice from authorities, emergency services or medical professionals. In an emergency in Europe: 112.