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:

• 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 hydrocortisone cream.
• An antihistamine, like Benadryl, for allergic reactions.
• Laxative

Make sure your school is ready for any disaster with the "Masters of Disaster" series. GO [2]

Sources:
Adapted from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security [3]