No one wants to imagine the worst-case scenario unfolding at their child’s school—or at any school for that matter. But planning for the unthinkable has become a necessary part of safety protocols.
Lockdowns, drills, and training all play a role, and so does equipment. That’s where emergency kits for school settings can offer an edge, helping teachers and staff stay ready in moments when seconds matter.
Preparedness doesn’t mean living in fear. It means being realistic, proactive, and equipping schools with tools to respond when a threat becomes real.
Best Practices for Active Shooter Response
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for how to handle an active shooter. Every school has different layouts, student populations, and staff sizes. But national safety organizations and law enforcement agencies do agree on a few best practices that serve as the foundation for school safety planning.
One of the most widely referenced frameworks is the “Run, Hide, Fight” approach taught by the Department of Homeland Security. When escape is possible, it should be the first option.
When it isn’t, lockdown procedures, like securing doors, covering windows, and moving out of the line of sight, becomes key. And if there’s no other choice, defending yourself and your students may be the only option left.
But strategy alone isn’t enough. That’s where the right gear comes in because preparedness is both mental and physical.
Why Being Ready Matters
Gun violence in schools has surged in recent years. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there were 1453 school shootings across the 1997-1998 and 2021-2022 school years. That’s a trend no school can afford to ignore.
Another sobering stat: The FBI found that over 60% of active shooter incidents in the U.S. between 2000 and 2019 ended before law enforcement arrived. That means schools often bear the immediate burden of responding—and surviving—those first terrifying moments.
An active shooter preparedness plan isn’t just a document sitting in a binder. It needs to be actionable, and that means making sure the right people have access to the right equipment at the right time.
Building the Right Emergency Kit
There’s a difference between general emergency preparedness and targeted protection during violent incidents. While many schools have go bags for natural disasters or first aid, emergency go kits for schools designed for active shooter situations serve a more specific purpose.
So, what should go into them?
Start with the basics—medical supplies that can handle trauma. That means tourniquets, pressure dressings, gauze, gloves, and chest seals. Bleeding control can save lives before paramedics can get inside.
Next, think about security. Door wedges or barricade tools can make it harder for a shooter to enter a classroom. A flashlight helps during lockdowns when lights are out. A whistle or signaling device can help draw attention after the threat has passed.
Lastly, consider communication. A notepad, marker, and a quick reference guide like an active shooter preparedness checklist can help teachers keep their heads during chaos.
The Role of Emergency Kits in a School’s Plan
No single tool replaces training or drills, but when integrated into an active shooter preparedness plan, gear like a well-stocked emergency kit strengthens the overall response.
These kits should be part of a broader system—positioned in classrooms, cafeterias, and administrative offices. Staff should be trained on where they are, what’s inside, and how to use every item. They shouldn’t be locked up or hidden in storage. They need to be accessible.
Just like fire extinguishers or AEDs, they should be inspected and restocked regularly.
What Sets Some Kits Apart
Tac-Tote does not supply emergency preparedness kits. We provide the bags that are turned into kits. This has been a question from customers in the past. “Do you sell med kits?” actually means do I sell bags with medical contents inside already. Which I do not. The below in red paragraphs imply too heavily in my opinion that my products come with equipment inside.
I was going to attempt to reword but I think you folks would possibly come up with something better than I was coming up with.
At Tac-Tote, we’ve designed our emergency preparedness kits for schools to support teachers under pressure. We understand what schools are up against, and that’s why our kits focus on fast access, durability, and practical use.
They’re compact enough to store behind a desk but loaded with life-saving tools. They’re designed not just for convenience, but for real emergencies where adrenaline is high and instructions need to be simple. And they complement, not complicate, your existing safety protocols.
We’re not trying to replace your plan. We’re giving your team more confidence in it. If you have any questions or would like more information on our emergency kits for schools, contact us today.
Who Needs to Be Involved
While teachers are often the ones closest to students during a lockdown, active shooter readiness isn’t their job alone. The responsibility extends to administrators, school boards, local police, and even parents.
Developing and reviewing the plan should include everyone—especially when it comes to selecting and placing emergency kits. Parents can advocate for better tools. Officers can weigh in on ideal kit contents. And staff can share what’s worked—and what hasn’t—during past drills.
The more aligned your team is, the faster you can act when every second counts.
What to Look for in a Quality Kit
With more options available than ever before, it helps to know what separates a quality emergency kit from a basic first aid bag. Here’s what you should look for:
- Purpose-built contents: Kits designed specifically for active threats, not just general injuries.
- Visibility and accessibility: Clear labeling and easy-open design.
- Durable materials: Tactical-grade bags and organizers built to last.
- Practical instructions: Simple guidance included, in case panic takes over.
And remember—your kits should match the structure of your plan. Don’t buy gear that no one knows how to use. Training and familiarization matter just as much as the kit itself.
What Else Should You Include in Your Preparedness Plan?
While gear is critical, mindset and procedure carry equal weight. Every staff member should know the school’s emergency procedures. They should understand what happens during each phase of a lockdown, how to use the kit, and when to signal for help.
Practice these steps regularly—not just once a year. Include substitutes, custodians, and office staff. And make sure communication is crystal clear.
Here’s where your active shooter preparedness checklist becomes more than a training tool. Post it near doors or stash a laminated version in each kit. In a real crisis, the simpler and faster the response, the better.
Final Thoughts
When the stakes are this high, there’s no room for guesswork. The best protection is a layered approach—training, strategy, and the right tools all working together. And in that system, emergency kits for school settings become one of the most valuable assets you can offer.
We’re not saying a kit will solve everything. But it gives your staff more than just a plan. It gives them options, and sometimes, that’s the difference between waiting and acting.
Be prepared when emergencies arise. Get an emergency response bag today!
