Action Tips: Build a First-Aid Kit for Your House

No one ever expects to trip and fall on the driveway. When it happens, your bleeding knee sucks less if you're prepared to deal with it. Having a first-aid kit stocked with the essentials is key to household safety.

First Aid Kit Essentials

• Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves.
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.
• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
• Burn ointment to prevent infection.
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.
• Nonstick Sterile Pads: these are soft, superabsorbent pads that provide a good environment for wound healing. They are recommended for bleeding and draining wounds, burns, infections.
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.
• Thermometer
• Ice Pack
• Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. (Note: Medicines should be rotated periodically to account for expiration dates.)
• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies or a nebulizer machine.

Things It May Be Good to Have:

• Cell phone
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Tongue depressor blades
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Blanket
• Water
• Ready to eat food
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• CPR Mask

Non-Prescription Drugs:

• Pain and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen.
• Anti-itch medications, like hydrocortizone cream.
• An antihistamine, like Benadryl, for allergic reactions.
• Laxative

Sources:

Adapted from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security