A well stocked first aid kit is crucial in times of emergency. But how do you know what to put in your kit? Much of this decision depends on where your kit will be used.
Your home is one of the most important places to have a first aid kit. Here's what you need to keep in it to make sure you're ready to deal with home emergencies.
10 Things to Keep in Your Home First Aid Kit
- Sterile Gauze Pads: Sterile gauze pads are an essential all-purpose tool for any home first aid kit. It can be helpful to have a variety of sizes on hand, but if you only choose one make it 4x6. This size allows you to cover most common household wounds and scrapes.
- Adhesive Tape: Another all-purpose item. A good quality adhesive tape allows you to securely affix gauze and other non-adhesive bandages.
- Bandages: Keep a variety of adhesive bandages (such as Band-Aids) in your home first aid kit. Having several different sizes on hand ensures you have a bandage available for any level of mishap.
- Antibiotic Cream: An antibiotic cream is useful to have on hand for dressing non-serious wounds. Choose your preferred brand, and keep an eye on the expiration date in order to replace as necessary.
- Oral Medications: A home first aid kit is a great place to stash extra oral medication. Include at least a few doses of pain relievers (such as ibuprofen) and an oral antihistamine (such as benadryl) to cover aches, pains, and allergies.
- Non-latex Gloves: Keep two pairs of large non-latex gloves in your home kit to safely dress wounds.
- Tweezers: Tweezers are a particularly useful tool for household emergencies. Use them to remove splinters, look for lice, and detach ticks or leeches. While tweezers are a common household item, keep a dedicated pair in your first aid kit to make sure they're always available when you need them.
- Elastic Bandages: Treat small sprains at home by keeping elastic bandages in your first aid kit.
- Cold Compress: With a cold compress in your home kit you'll be able to reduce swelling and help speed the healing of minor sprains and twists.
- Aloe Vera Gel or Burn Ointment: Treat minor kitchen burns quickly by keeping aloe vera gel or burn ointment in your first aid kit. If you cook often, consider keeping a second small kit in your kitchen so you always have what you need on hand.
