Disaster kits have played a huge role in the West Coast fires this week. But some Warren County Elementary students have known their importance for months.

Leadership students at Richardsville Elementary had the idea of putting together disaster kits after attending "Storm Fest" last spring.

All summer long, the students collected buckets, blankets, flashlights and other items from area businesses.

On Oct. 25, their hard work paid off as 400 kits were assembled to be given out at parent-teacher conferences.

"If one of these families is in a fire or a tornado they'll have anything they need for three days," explained Richardsville Elementary student Hannah Parker.

Several area lawmakers, along with representatives from the American Red Cross and FEMA were invited to help assemble the disaster kits.