Accidents around the home can’t be planned. They just happen. But you can be prepared in advance should a mishap occur.
A first aid kit, if properly assembled, can make a major difference in a lot of emergency situations. Knowing what to put in a kit is just as important as having it readily available and accessible.
Since the potential for accidents often exists in the kitchen area, it makes sense to have the kit in that vicinity. On the other hand, since an accident can occur in almost any part of the home, it wouldn’t hurt to have more than one kit – for instance, have one centrally located on each of the first and second floors if you live in a multi-level house.
So what should a first aid kit contain? A wide assortment of supplies to deal with a variety of situations. From bee stings to cuts, splinters to burns, a kit should be the go-to resource when such emergencies arise.
Here’s a list of items to consider:
Any items used in the kit should be replaced immediately.
The same type of kit can be assembled for your vehicle, but should also include enough food and water to last you 2-3 days; jumper cables; extra blankets; a change of clothes; flares and/or roadside assistance signs; bungee cords; hand warmers; and heavy duty tape.
Most, if not all of these items, can be found at your logal drug store, big box store like Walmart or Target, grocery store, and online.
Please keep in mind that the items listed here are not all-inclusive for a first aid kit and that there may be other supplies suited to your particular needs.
A first aid kit, if properly assembled, can make a major difference in a lot of emergency situations. Knowing what to put in a kit is just as important as having it readily available and accessible.
Since the potential for accidents often exists in the kitchen area, it makes sense to have the kit in that vicinity. On the other hand, since an accident can occur in almost any part of the home, it wouldn’t hurt to have more than one kit – for instance, have one centrally located on each of the first and second floors if you live in a multi-level house.
So what should a first aid kit contain? A wide assortment of supplies to deal with a variety of situations. From bee stings to cuts, splinters to burns, a kit should be the go-to resource when such emergencies arise.
Here’s a list of items to consider:
- A bag, box, or similar container to store the first aid supplies.
- First aid manual.
- Sterile pads, cotton balls, and gauze of different sizes.
- Adhesive bandages as well as bandages of different shapes and sizes.
- Hot/cold pack.
- Flashlight with extra batteries (this should be checked at least monthly to ensure it's in working condition).
- Scissors.
- Tweezers
- Thermometer.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Blanket and pillow (place next to kit).
- Safety pins
- Sterile gloves
- Allergy-relief medicine, such as Benadryl.
- Acetaminophen and ibuprofen (for fever, inflammation, and pain).
- Asprin.
- Antibiotic cream.
- Petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline.
- Milk of magnesia (antacid for mild poison cases).
- Antiseptic wipes.
- Calamine lotion.
- Hydrocortisone cream.
Any items used in the kit should be replaced immediately.
The same type of kit can be assembled for your vehicle, but should also include enough food and water to last you 2-3 days; jumper cables; extra blankets; a change of clothes; flares and/or roadside assistance signs; bungee cords; hand warmers; and heavy duty tape.
Most, if not all of these items, can be found at your logal drug store, big box store like Walmart or Target, grocery store, and online.
Please keep in mind that the items listed here are not all-inclusive for a first aid kit and that there may be other supplies suited to your particular needs.