Over the past month across the United States we’ve seen some pretty dangerous stuff happening. From uncontrolled wildfires to category 4 hurricanes slamming the southeast. In times of crisis it’s essential to have a first aid kit for your family. When the storm surge starts is not the time to get one together.
Take a few minutes this week and make sure your family’s first aid kit is ready to go for the next wildfire or wild stunt in your front yard.
Storage
When most people think of a first aid kit, they think of a metal box on the wall. That may work for your family. I suggest you get a container that is organized and carried easily. Chances are the accident you need to treat will not happen right next to your kit. Consider making your kit out of an old book bag. There are plenty of pockets and sections to store all the items you need and it’s very portable.
Personalized Kit
Creating your own first aid kit ensures you have exactly what you need because not every family has the same needs. While store bought first aid kits are a great starting point, customizing your own gives you the flexibility to make sure everyone has when they need. For example, someone in your home may require specific diabetic medications. Or in an extreme case, a family member may need a specialized treatment like an EpiPen. Take those things into consideration when you stock your first aid kit.
Family First Aid Items
- Emergency contact numbers on a card (Laminated if possible)
- First aid manual
- Bottled Water
- Hand sanitizer
- Granola bars
- Flashlight
- Aloe Vera gel
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol)
- Fabric adhesive bandages (Various sizes)
- Butterfly bandages
- Liquid bandage
- Sting and bite treatments
- Calamine lotion
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Lipbalm
- Medical tape
- Antibiotic wipes
- Antiseptic spray
- Finger splint
- Tourniquet
- Pain relievers
- Prescription drugs for all family members
- Dust Mask
- Eye protection
- Eye drops
- Breathe barrier
- Blanket
- Nitrile Gloves
- Instant cold compress packs
- Glow sticks (for light and locating)
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Paramedic scissors
- Safety pins
- Tweezers
- Multitool
- Bandage rolls
- Dog waste bags (for vomit and clean up)
- Zippy bags (waterproofing and for vomit)
- Sterilized gauze pads
- Hemostatic gauze
- Thermometer
This is a great place to start thinking about what you need to stock in your family’s home first aid kit. Hopefully you won’t have to use it often, but when you do need it, you’ll have it ready to go. For information on family safety and home security in your inbox, consider The Secure Dad Newsletter.
