Emergency Entertainment Kits

Emergency Entertainment Kits – Keep Them Calm In an Emergency

Now that summer is almost over hopefully you have a greater understanding of why entertainment is such an important part of your survival kits. An Emergency Entertainment Kit is simply a survival kit dedicated to keeping everyone calm, happy, and well, entertained.

It’s the alternative of packing a little in each bag for each person. My kids are so excited about this pack that my daughter prayed for an earthquake for weeks after packing just so we could use it. Remember your entertainment needs to be versatile so it can be repeated with out losing interest and should be family oriented.

Here are some things that I would consider a must for your Emergency Entertainment Kit:

• Notebook and pens/pencils/markers – These are important not just for entertainment but a lot of the coping emotionally will be happening in that notebook, whether drawing, or writing.  I would avoid crayons and use markers or colored pencils (include a sharpener).
• Games – Card games are a great solution- UNO, Phase 10, Old Maid, and Go Fish.  Travel games are a great option as well. Hit the dollar store for a great variety of small puzzles, toys and travel sized games.
• Books– Be sure the books are new and unfamiliar but similar to some beloved favorites. However if your kids have a stack of favorites that they could read for hours – purchase a few second copies and pack them as well. Familiarity is an important thing in helping them cope as well.
• School Workbooks – It could be awhile before schools open. Home schooling will help establish a familiar routine and a sense of normalcy.
• Avoid battery operated toys or devices! You don’t want to carry 20 lbs of batteries and they will go through them FAST. Besides, we’ve all experienced the melt down that accompanies being forced to turn something off, or when the batteries die. This is the last thing you need, so don’t go there.
• Comfort items – These could be a small stuffed animal and small blanket. Every child seems to have that one ratty stuffed animal that they literally can’t live without. Pack a second in your pack or get as close as possible. This is important in helping them cope, and gives them a feeling of security.
• List of indoor games and rules– it’s been awhile since elementary school and many of our favorite games aren’t played any more. Chances are you don’t remember them – but these are weight free game that can be taken along. Print a few from this site and make a small booklet.  www.fungameskidsplay.com – classic games, clapping games, etc or buy a small book of them.
• Small toys – action figures, a small Lego set, balls, and other smaller versatile toys will give them something to play with and use their imagination on.
• Craft kit – to keep fingers occupied and brains focused on something else. Be sure its something that’s already a familiar skill. It won’t be a good time to try to learn a frustrating new skill like knitting or crocheting.

Have your family help determine the contents of your Emergency Entertainment Kit. It doesn’t take much, but a little can go a long way.  Do your shopping and assembly together as a family and you’ll find that pending disaster looks rather fun.

What are you going to put in your Emergency Entertainment Kit?

Shared with: Anti-Procrastination Tuesday–  Natural Family Friday –