Prom night is one of the most anticipated events of the school year - and also one of the most unpredictable. From sudden wardrobe malfunctions to last-minute tech hiccups, even the best-planned Prom can hit unexpected bumps. That’s why a Prom Emergency Kit is essential for advisors and committee members.
As an advisor, you are the calm in the storm. Being prepared means less stress, quicker fixes, and a smoother experience for students and staff alike. Rather than scrambling to find a safety pin or a roll of tape when minutes matter, having a well-stocked kit allows you to handle minor crises discreetly and efficiently.
This guide outlines exactly what you need to build the ultimate Prom survival kit, covering everything from fashion emergencies to logistical nightmares.
Wardrobe and Style Fixes
Prom fashion emergencies happen fast - and a Prom emergency kit is your first line of defense. When a student’s strap snaps on the dance floor or a hem comes loose before photos, having these tools on hand can save the night.
- Safety pins: Stock multiple sizes, from tiny ones for delicate fabrics to heavy-duty ones for bustling dresses.
- Fashion tape and double-sided tape: Essential for keeping necklines secure and fixing gaps in clothing
- Mini sewing kit: Be sure you have needles, thread in basic colors (black, white, nude), and small scissors.
- Hem tape or fabric glue: A quick, no-sew fix for fallen hems
- Lint rollers: Crucial for dark suits and velvet fabrics
- Stain remover pens: Use these immediately on spills to prevent permanent damage.
- Clear nail polish: Perfect for stopping runs in tights or securing loose stones on jewelry
- Extra buttons, clasps, and clips: Small fasteners often go missing during transport or setup.
Shoe and Accessory Emergencies
Shoes break, straps snap, and heels hurt. It is almost inevitable that someone will struggle with footwear during the night. Be ready to help students stay comfortable and keep dancing.
- Heel protectors or heel caps: These can stop a damaged heel tip from ruining a shoe (or a floor).
- Blister pads and moleskin: Provide immediate relief for painful rubbing
- Band-aids for shoe rub: Standard bandages work well for heels and toes.
- Mini shoe glue: For reattaching soles that separate unexpectedly
- Extra bobby pins and hair ties: These vanish constantly; having a backup supply is always appreciated.
- Small jewelry repair kit: A pair of small pliers can fix a broken necklace clasp in seconds.
Beauty and Grooming Essentials
Dancing, humidity, and nerves can take a toll on hair and makeup. A few quick touch-ups can save confidence - and ensure the professional photos look perfect.
- Makeup wipes: For fixing smudges or removing lipstick from teeth
- Powder and blotting papers: To reduce shine on the dance floor
- Mascara, eyeliner, and lip gloss: Keep clear or neutral shades on hand for universal touch-ups.
- Hair spray and smoothing serum: Tame flyaways and keep updos secure.
- Comb and mini brush: For quick styling fixes
- Deodorant wipes or spray: A discreet way to freshen up after hours of dancing
- Breath mints or gum: A small gesture that students always appreciate
Health, Comfort, and Student Care Items
Prom isn’t just about how students look; it’s about how they feel. Students may need support beyond appearance, and having basic care items demonstrates that their well-being is a priority.
- First aid kit: Stock this with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and gauze.
- Pain relievers: Check your school policy first, but having approved over-the-counter pain relief can help with headaches.
- Allergy-safe snacks: Low blood sugar can lead to fainting; keep granola bars or crackers on hand.
- Bottled water: Hydration is key, especially in warm venues.
- Tissues: For happy tears or runny noses
- Ice packs: Instant cold packs are great for twisted ankles or overheating.
- Stress relief items: Fidget spinners or stress balls can help anxious students calm down.
Tech, Communication, and Logistics Backups
If tech fails, the Prom pauses, so it’s important to be ready. Whether the DJ’s equipment acts up or a chaperone’s phone dies, logistical failures can disrupt the flow of the evening.
- Phone chargers: Bring cables for both iPhone and Android devices.
- Portable battery packs: You may not be near a wall outlet when you need power most.
- Extension cords and power strips: Essential for photo booths, DJ setups, or decorative lighting
- Flashlight: Useful for finding items dropped under tables or navigating dark backstage areas
- Walkie-talkies or group chat plan: Make sure all chaperones and security staff can communicate instantly.
- Printed contact list: Keep hard copies of numbers for vendors, administration, and security in case cell service is spotty.
- Backup USB: Load this with a playlist and important announcements in case the internet goes down.
Décor, Setup, and Venue Emergencies
Décor issues will happen during setup or mid-event. A balloon arch might deflate, or a sign might fall down. These tools help you maintain the magical atmosphere you worked so hard to create.
- Duct tape, painter’s tape, clear tape: You can fix almost anything with the right tape.
- Zip ties: The unsung heroes of event setup; use them to secure cords, banners, and greenery.
- Command hooks and strips: Great for hanging items without damaging venue walls
- Scissors and box cutter: You will need these constantly during setup.
- Extra balloons or filler décor: Have backups ready to fill empty spaces.
- Tablecloth clips: Keep linens secure, especially if the event is outdoors or near a drafty door.
- Backup signage or blank poster boards: Useful if you need to create immediate directional signs (e.g., “Restrooms this way”)
Paperwork, Forms, and Administrative Essentials
Prom advisors need paperwork on hand – always. In the digital age, we often rely on clouds and apps, but a hard copy binder is fail-safe when Wi-Fi is down or specific permissions are questioned.
- Guest list and seating chart: The master document for entry and dinner service
- Outside guest approval forms: Essential for verifying non-student attendees at the door
- Emergency contact lists: Quick access to parents or guardians is non-negotiable.
- Incident report forms: Standard documentation for any behavioral or medical issues
- Student behavior policies: Have the rules in writing if a student disputes a decision.
- Venue contracts: Keep printed copies to reference regarding hours, noise limits, or cleanup rules.
- Prom timeline and run-of-show: Keep everyone on schedule.
Money, Payments, and Vendor Needs
Small financial hiccups can cause big delays. While most major payments are handled beforehand, unexpected costs often pop up on the night of the event.
- Petty cash: Carry an approved amount of small bills for unforeseen tips or emergency purchases.
- Vendor payment confirmations: Proof of payment can resolve disputes with DJs or caterers quickly.
- Receipts folder: Keep all paper trails organized for post-prom accounting.
- Tip envelopes: If gratuity wasn’t included in contracts, have these prepared for service staff.
- Calculator: Useful for any on-the-spot tallying
Emotional Support and Student Wellness
Prom night emotions run high – for students and adults. Between the pressure for perfection and interpersonal drama, tears are common. Being prepared emotionally is just as important as being prepared physically.
- Quiet space plan: Designate a low-traffic area where overwhelmed students can sit for a moment.
- Tissues: Keep plenty on hand.
- Encouraging notes or calming phrases: Remind students (and yourself) to breathe.
- Trusted staff assigned to emotional support: Designate a chaperone specifically to handle student wellness so the advisor can focus on logistics.
- Strategies for handling disappointment: Have a plan for students who are upset about Prom Court results or relationship drama.
Creating and Organizing Your Emergency Kit
Preparation is only effective if the kit is usable. A disorganized box of supplies won’t help when you have 30 seconds to solve a problem.
- Use a clearly labeled bin: A rolling tote or a backpack with multiple compartments works best.
- Organize by category: Use clear pouches or Ziploc bags to separate beauty items from tech tools.
- Assign a manager: One advisor or responsible committee member should be in charge of the kit’s location.
- Review and restock: Check the kit the week of Prom to make sure nothing has dried out or expired.
- Customize: Adapt the kit based on your specific venue size, theme, and student needs.
Prom Day Emergency Checklist
Before the doors open, take a moment to confirm your readiness.
- Is the emergency kit fully stocked?
- Are tech backups charged?
- Is paperwork printed and accessible?
- Are communication channels active?
- Does the staff know where the kit is located?
A well-prepared Prom emergency kit doesn’t just solve problems; it prevents panic. With the right supplies, clear organization, and a calm team, advisors and committee members can handle anything Prom night throws their way. Preparation behind the scenes ensures students remember only the magic, not the mishaps.
Stay prepared from planning to Prom night with Anderson’s and PromUs, your all-in-one Prom planning tool. From timelines and checklists to vendor tracking and event-day readiness, PromUs helps your committee stay organized, so Prom night runs smoothly from start to finish.