I like JHB's idea and want to add maybe a wagon or even a backpack on wheels would be helpful for the teacher. The backpack wouldn't need much storage room and the teacher could keep the items JHB mentioned and class list, first aide kit, phone numbers, flashlight, etc. Being a midwest kid, I'm more familiar with being stuck in snow storms and wished something like this would have been on school buses! Hours on a bus with no food ect can be scary to a little one!
Keep us informed in what you decide!!
Have you considered buying the wheeled coolers by Coleman or Rubbermade? (Like you use for picnics.) It would be an initial expense, but they are very sturdy so would last for a very long time. The 50 quart size runs about $30, but I see them on sale a lot and there are a couple different sizes.
Just sitting around the classroom, it can serve as an extra bench/seat off to the side. The classes could use the coolers for drinks and stuff if they went on field trips or for outside activities. During drills (or, heaven forbid, the real thing), once they get to their consolidation point outside, it would give the teacher a place to sit. You might consider adding some other supplies. They have those disposable ground cloths now, sort of like a giant handi-wipe. One or two of those would take up almost no space, but provide a cloth for all the kids to sit down.
If you let the classes use the coolers for other things, then you'd need to do spot checks to assure the supplies are rountinely returned to the cooler for storage. Maybe even have them in a cardboard box that would nest right inside the cooler.
Last year we put together "kits" that contained a small supply of food (drink box, granola bar, hard candy, applesauce etc.) for each student in the event of an emergency that required them to evacuate the school (i.e. earthquake etc.) We put the items in zip bags and gave them to the teachers to store. Unfortunately, they never came up with an easy way to store them in the classroom and to get them out of the building with the students.
My task now is to come up with a solution. To put them in a container and carry them out would be too heavy for one person. Our school is K-5 so the kids wouldn't be much help.
Don't suggest storing them outside because it isn't an option at this time. Our building will be remodeled after next year and we have made suggestions to handle emergency supply storage items.
I've been looking at the wheeled storage containers, but the cost is a big concern if they are only used for one year.
I'd like to know what other schools are doing and also if you have any great solutions for me.
Thanks
