Emergency Kit Checklist: Children with Special Healthcare Needs

If a child with special healthcare needs is part of your family it is very important to be prepared for an emergency in which you may have to stay inside for longer than usual or in the event the electricity goes out. An emergency kit is necessary for all families, and especially important for families of children with special healthcare needs.

An emergency kit has all of the things that you and your family may need during an emergency. In addition to the common items found on the emergency kit checklist for kids and families page, the checklist described here contains items that are specific for families of children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN). Each family’s kit will vary depending on the individual needs of their child. It is best to have all of these things collected before an emergency, stored in a container, and kept in a place that is safe and easy to get to in the event of an emergency. Making a family emergency kit can be fun for the family to do together. Here’s how to have a family emergency kit treasure hunt:

You will need a large plastic bin or box to put things into.
Answer the following questions to guide your treasure hunt.
Check items off the list as you put them into your emergency kit box.
Place an updated copy of your checklist inside your large plastic bin or box once your kit is put together to know what is inside the kit and to know where you can always find your checklist.

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A current copy of your child’s Care Planexternal icon
Current medical information and records, including the following:
- An electronic copy (on a CD, flash drive, or phone app)
- A paper copy in a waterproof bag
Special dietary foods and supplies (3-day supply)
Items or toys that calm or entertain your child
An extra medical alert bracelet or necklace for your child
Identification to be carried by each child in your family in case your family members become separated

An AC adaptor for your car to charge small electrical equipment, such as a nebulizer
Battery powered versions of medical equipment your child uses
Extra batteries for medical equipment, hearing aids and communication devices
Back up charger(s) for cell phone (such as a hand-cranked USB cell phone emergency charger, a solar charger, or a battery pack; some weather radios have a built in hand crank charger)
Backup chargers for a laptop or tablet (such as a 12V USB adapter that plugs into a car, an inverter, or into a battery jump pack with a USB port)
If your family has a generator for backup power support, never use a generator indoors due to deadly fumes. Learn more about generator safety
If available to your family, consider backups for non-electric equipment, such as a manual wheelchair or other walking aids

Talk with your child’s doctor about how to get an emergency supply of medicines. If your child takes medicine given by a clinic or hospital, talk with their staff about how to plan for a stoppage due to a disaster
Ask your pharmacist how long each medicine can last and storage needs of the medicines
Keep a copy of your child’s prescription information in your wallet and car, including the name, location and phone number of an out-of-town pharmacy in case your regular pharmacy is closed

Two-week supply of all prescription medicines your child will need (consult your child’s doctor on the recommended amount(s) to keep in your kit)
Two-week supply of medical care items, such as needles, nasal cannulas, bandages, etc.
Cooler and chemical ice packs for storing and keeping medicines cold
A copy of all prescription information for your child’s medicines and the phone number of an out-of-town pharmacy in case your regular pharmacy is closed

Tips and reminders to make sure your family emergency kit is always ready to go:

Keep canned or packaged food in a cool, dry place (check the expiration dates at least twice per year)
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
Replace water supply every six months
Review your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change (update medical and personal records at least once per year)
Prepare separate kits for your home, work, and your vehicle since you never know where you’ll be when an emergency happens
If you can’t contact your doctor or pharmacy in a disaster, ask for help from emergency responders or staff at emergency shelters or service centers

Emergency Kit Checklist for Families with Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN)

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