06.09.2025

For many families in Ukraine, preparing a child for school now includes more than textbooks and stationery. Safety has become a daily concern, and one practical solution is an emergency backpack — a small kit with essential items a child can take in case of an air raid alert or evacuation.

Why it matters

Emergencies often unfold quickly. Having a ready-to-go bag reduces stress, helps children feel more secure, and ensures their basic needs are met even in unpredictable circumstances.

What to pack

The essentials include: important documents (and copies), a small bottle of water, a snack, a flashlight, tissues and sanitiser, a mini first aid kit, a power bank, a change of underwear and socks, a toy or book for comfort, and written contacts of parents.

Talking to children

It is important to frame the backpack not as a cause for fear but as a safety tool — like wearing a seatbelt or carrying a reflector on clothing. The goal is reassurance and preparedness, not anxiety.

Save this checklist and share it with other families. Small steps can make a big difference in building a culture of safety.

The emergency backpack for schoolchildren: 10 essentials for alerts and evacuation

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