The contact information card included with Out There kits and Kids’ Safety kits is simple to fill out, but here are a couple of suggestions to make the card more useful.
For Children
Emergency contacts – You should include at least 2 numbers, but possibly three. The first two should be the mobile numbers of the child’s primary caregivers (parents, grandparents). The third number should be the closest relative not living with the child. The third number is important because the primary caregivers may be outdoors with the child and not be available via phone.
Allergies/Other – Include any severe allergies, especially to plants and medicines. Also list any daily medications that are required. You may also want to include your child’s blood type in this section. If there are severe allergies or urgent daily medications, please make sure your child carries them and knows how to use them. This precaution will ensure that your child has the necessary medical information and medications with them if you happen to get separated.
A great way to store the medications along with the Kids Safety Kit is a pill fob keychain which could be clipped onto the lanyard. These can be found at grocery stores and pharmacy stores for around $5.00. You can also find them online by searching for “pill fob”.
Sample Replaceable ID Card
Sample Waterproof ID Card
For adults
Emergency contacts – You should include at least 2 numbers here. The first should be the mobile number of the person closest to you – spouse, significant other, best friend, etc. Since it’s possible that the first person listed may be with you when you are outdoors, you should also include someone that would not be outdoors with you – parents, in-laws, sibling, neighbor, etc.
Allergies/Other – Include any severe allergies, especially to plants and medicines. Also list any medications you take daily. You may also want to include your blood type in this section. Be sure to pack any allergy or daily medications so that you have both the information card and the medications in the kit if there is an emergency.
It’s so easy, a first grader can do it
Sample card filled out by my first grader
I had to include this picture of the card my son filled out. One afternoon, he quietly went to his room and filled out the card for his Kid’s Safety Kit. For the emergency contacts, he included my cell phone number, my wife’s cell phone number, and his grandparent’s home number. For the allergies, he included the one food item he is allergic too. Kid’s are always smarter than we think. I wanted to post his version but without the actual numbers so I had him make up one for John Doe.
Be safe and be prepared.
Andy
