72 hour kits - Entertainment

Sticking to the car trip analogy, we’re going to look at another major issue with most kits – entertainment! A car trip with children requires LOTS of entertainment! And all of us know that your sanity level is on edge when that runs out. In a disaster situation, your kids are going to be acting similar (or worse) than a car trip. High Strung, antsy, irritable, and whiny! You are going to need all the help you can get. Make sure you take this into consideration in your kits. Not just the kids but your selves.  The diversions not only help all of you remain calm but it actually keeps them from ruminating on the event and allows better coping as they’re brain takes a break. Remember you’re 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 kit:

—       Paper and pencils are important to 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 because they could melt in the sun or if it’s to hot in the car. Use markers or color 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. Burger king will sometimes carry these in their happy meals if there isn’t a themed toy so be on the look out there. 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. Although I would recommend that if your kids have a stack of favorites that they could read for hours – purchase a second copy and pack them as well. Familiarity is an important thing in helping them cope as well. Don't forget school workbooks since it could be awhile before schools open. Homeschooling 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 item – every child seems to have that one ratty stuffed animal that they literally can't live without. Don’t forget it! Pack a second in your pack or get as close as possible. You are not going to be able to search your house looking for it. If their favorite changes frequently, just be sure to pack something. A security item 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 that is a weight free game that can be taken along.

      o      This site has it all, I would simply print a few and add them to your pack   www.fungameskidsplay.com – classic games, clapping games, etc

Emergency Entertainment Kit

Another option to consider is an Emergency Entertainment pack. Instead of packing a little in each pack; create one pack dedicated to entertainment. the following link is to an article with full instructions. I think this is the coolest idea. My kids are so excited about this pack that my daughter prayed for an earthquake for weeks after packing it just so we could use.
            o       http://www.whathappensnow.com/articles_show.cfm?id=594&sub=0