When it comes to classroom supplies and the proper storage of the supplies, many might argue that it doesn’t play too much of a role and that storing it shouldn’t be something of importance. Yet, we have to understand one thing: a school is a public space with a high traffic of people and the supplies are crucial to keep the school going, allowing the students to learn and study and the teachers to teach. All the supplies, when put together, can become quite expensive and cost a lot. Now, you’re probably thinking, what’s the big deal, and why not just put everything in one room and leave it there? This will create only a mess and won’t solve anything in the long run. Organizing everything properly is a far better option, as you’ll find it easier when needed and it will last longer, therefore saving the school money. In the text below, we’ll discuss some safety tips on how to store classroom supplies the right way.
Utilize Proper Shelving and Storage Units
When it comes to storing school supplies, the key to making everything perfect is to use sturdy shelves and storage units that can withhold some beating and the passing of time. In terms of shelves, the main goal and objective is to find the type of open shelves that make everything accessible at any moment yet are robust enough to hold little kids trying to climb them. It’s also important to look at the shelves from a different perspective and see how functional they are in terms of categorizing things. There are several types of shelves, each with different lengths and heights, making it easier to store more things, each with different dimensions. The more options the shelves have, the better.
Proper storage space or storage units are something else. From lockers for the students to put their belongings in, to storage facilities big enough to put away chairs, to smaller whiteboards, pencils, markers, tape, jackets, shoes, and even some bigger supplies such as toys for the kids the teachers use when the students are in 1st or 2nd grade. The best solution we can think of is the many affordable school storage units sold and made by many manufacturers, offering various solutions to this issue. From cupboards and cabinets with many shelves in them to plastic tray storage units for the small pencils and crayons to pigeon-hole storage for the kid’s shoes and safety storage units for things such as safety jackets, fire hoses, and maybe emergency utilities the school might need in the case of a natural disaster. Most companies offer a variety of storage facilities and solutions at an affordable price.
Label Everything Clearly
After you decide on the proper storage units and shelves and the way you want to store all the school supplies, the best way to keep everything perfectly in order and organized is to label and categorize the supplies. Labeling is a real-time saver and helps you find the needed supplies at any moment without going through too much hustle and trouble. It’s especially important in urgent situations that require an immediate reaction. God forbid, in the case of a natural disaster, knowing where the needed safety supplies are can make quite a difference. It’s easier for the teacher, as they don’t have to finish their breaks earlier to prepare everything and for the students as well. Labels should be easy to read and include the contents and relevant safety warnings. Simple and easy!
Make Sure to Store the Hazardous Materials
Now, when it comes to materials and supplies that might pose some sort of safety and health risk to everyone, you’ll have to be careful where and how you store them. Certain supplies, such as cleaning products, science lab materials, or art supplies, can be hazardous if not stored correctly. The best way to store them is by putting them away in safety cabinets with double lock protection to avoid disasters from happening. We advise teachers and superiors to always have the key with them and to keep the students out of reach of the cabinets. Especially science lab supplies and cleaning products pose a real danger to small kids.
Regular Maintenance
Storage facilities have to be cleaned and maintained regularly and on a schedule. Yes, it can be time-consuming but with the right schedule and planning ahead, it will take less time and you’ll have nice and clean storage units with everything in perfect order. Not only does this practice involve long-term safety of the storage units, it also helps you avoid overload and you’ll make sure the hazardous materials are kept safe at all times.
Keep the Pathways Clean
Storage areas are usually put in places where there is less traffic, and often these parts are being neglected and the pathways may be jammed from time to time with unnecessary things overloaded with time. Of course, this might not apply to lockers for students as they are usually in sight of everyone, but any other storage areas, especially the ones for storing hazardous materials and safety equipment, might not be within hand’s reach. The most important thing to ensure safety is to keep these pathways clean and clear. This is especially important for emergency equipment in case something happens.
Educate the Students
Spreading awareness among students and teachers about the importance of proper storage and the safety of maintained storage units is something to have in mind. Educate the students and the teachers on how to store safety equipment properly, how to maintain it, how to keep the pathways clear, and how to approach the storage facilities of safety equipment when there is a need for it. It’s a collective effort after all, and if everyone is doing their part and trying their best, there is a better chance of keeping the facilities safe and clean.
All in all, with a bit of effort and the right storage facilities, the school supply will be safe at any moment and within everyone’s reach. Keeping everything in check is the easiest way to go about it.
