What you need for a crisis drill

A crisis drill needs more than a scenario and a participant list. You need visible role markers, printed instructions, working communication equipment and a safe practice space. Plan supplies for registration, briefing, exercise play and debriefing, with spares for anything participants handle repeatedly. Check technical equipment and batteries before the day, and arrange refreshments early if the drill runs for several hours.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 35
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Laptopqty 3
Projector
Projection screen
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphone
Mobile phoneqty 2

Office

Flip chartsqty 3
Flip chart paperqty 6
Whiteboardqty 2
Whiteboard markersqty 12
Notepadsqty 35
Ballpoint pensqty 40
Clipboardsqty 10
Foldersqty 35
Name badge holdersqty 35
Labelsqty 2
Envelopesqty 30
Printer paperqty 2
Staplersqty 2
Rolls of tapeqty 4
Notepadsqty 6

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 10
Flashlightsqty 6
Batteriesqty 24
Barrier tapeqty 2
Iconsqty 12

Catering

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Tableware

Mugsqty 40
Glassesqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Small bowlsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Groceries

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Coffee creamer - 2 tubs
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Paper cups - 50 pieces
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Apples - 35 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Sandwich rolls - 45 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Young matured cheese - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Egg salad - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Hot meal - 35 portions
- Vegetarian meals - 8 portions
- Vegan meals - 3 portions
- Gluten-free meals - 2 portions
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfecting wipes - 3 packs
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Prepare one folder or envelope per participant or role, plus at least 10% extra for late changes. Include printed scenario materials, maps and any role-specific instructions.
Test every walkie-talkie, megaphone, laptop and projector at least 24 hours before the drill. Keep extension cords, power strips and a charged mobile phone available as backup.
Buy or collect enough name badge holders, labels, pens and notepads for every participant, facilitator and observer, then add 10% spare stationery.
Set aside safety equipment where everyone can see it before the briefing starts. Check that first aid kits are stocked and provide working flashlights with spare batteries.
Arrange coffee, tea and chilled drinks before setup day, and confirm dietary requirements before placing the catering order. For a session lasting over two hours, plan a refreshment break rather than relying on water alone.

Frequently asked questions

What stationery do I need for a crisis drill?: Prepare one notepad and one pen per participant, plus 10% spare. Add clipboards, folders or envelopes, labels, name badge holders, flip chart paper, markers, printer paper, tape and staplers for the briefing and scenario materials.
How many walkie-talkies are needed for a crisis drill?: Provide one walkie-talkie for each role or team that must communicate during the exercise, and keep at least two spare if possible. Test all units and their batteries 24 hours before the drill.
What safety equipment should I buy for a crisis drill?: Have at least one first aid kit available in the practice area, with safety vests and flashlights for roles that require them. Check the kits before the event and keep spare batteries for every flashlight.
When should I prepare the crisis drill materials?: Print maps, scripts, name cards and scenario envelopes at least one day before the drill. Check the complete supply set again during room setup, leaving enough time to replace missing or faulty equipment.

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