If the kids are at school, the usual 'plan' is to keep the kids there, if you ask most schools. They usually intend to only hand them out to the parents. I don't know how well it would actually work.

You might ask your school administrators what plans they have. Then talk to your kids and come up with a plan. Do you want them to escape from the school lockdown and come to you, or a relative or friend? Do you want them to stay with the school and you will pick them up?

If your kids are at school, you probably know where to find them. But if they're out running around, at some friend's house, etc, and you don't know where, that's when the SHTF.

Do your kids carry cell phones? Send a text message. If they don't know how to send one, show them how. Text messages are said to be more reliable and extend the boundaries of messaging than voice mail.

I would go over all the types of disasters that are applicable to your particular area, and work with your kids on what they should do, and tell them what YOU will be trying to do.

If there's a RR derailment with toxic gases like chlorine escaping, you need to grab your family and pets and get out immediately. Staying to find a kid that may not even be there is pointless. You can't help your kids if you're dead or dying.

If your kids have particular friends, why not talk to their parents and set some plans in place with them? For instance, if their kids are at your house, you will take them with you to point A. If your kids are at their house, they agree to take them to point A or B.

Sue