Emergency Preparedness

Many students find it challenging to be away from their friends and family members for the first time. That sense of unease can deepen during a major emergency such as a large earthquake or wildfire.

Preparedness helps provide mental grounding (for both you and them) and additional physical safety. As such, we recommend that every student keep a sturdy, mobile emergency kit in their college "home", whether they live on or off-campus. Ideally the contents of the kit can help support your student's comfort and health for up to three days.

Stocking Your Emergency Kit

To purchase ready-made preparedness kits, visit www.redcrossstore.org.

If you make your own kit, we recommend that you include:

• First Aid Kit — Several stores carry pre-assembled first-aid kits; make sure you check the contents, and augment it with additional items you think your student might need. If you'd prefer to make your own, FEMA offers a comprehensive shopping list.
• Water — Store-bought, sealed water is the easiest option; consider purchasing enough small bottles to provide one gallon of water per day, for three days.
• Food — Choose nutritious, non-perishable, ready-to-eat goods, avoiding (if possible) foods that induce thirst. Trail mix, granola bars, canned milk and juices, and crackers are all good options.
• Tools — basic essentials:
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • Portable radio
  • Pocket knife
  • Waterproof matches
  • Plastic Shovel
  • Face mask - N95 rating
  • Additional items...
• Personal Care Items — Pack items they would need (but might not grab from their rooms):
  • Prescription medications
  • Eyeglasses or contact lenses and supplies
  • Travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Soap
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet Paper
  • Feminine Hygiene products
  • Trash bags
• Clothing and Bedding — Santa Cruz can be cold and wet! Consider stocking:
  • An extra jacket
  • Rain gear
  • A warm hat
  • Gloves
  • One change of clothes
  • Emergency (or non-cotton) blanket
  • Plastic tarp
• An Emergency Plan — Phone and cell service may be down for some time after an earthquake or similar emergency. Discuss "what-if" scenarios and make plans for what each of you might do until you can be in contact. Write this down. Pack a list of important phone numbers (family members, doctors, etc), any critical insurance or financial information, and anything else you'd want your student to know.