Creating a first aid kit for the house is a relatively easy thing to do. Every household should have a first aid kit and keep it in an easy place to find in case of an emergency. In some cases an injury only requires a little work instead of an emergency room visit, and having a prepared kit will help a great deal.

The first thing to consider is what you will need in a first aid kit. The following is a list of things to add.

-Disposable gloves.

-A thermometer.

-Bandages.

-Antibacterial soap to clean the wound.

-Adhesive bandages in various shapes and sizes.

-Antibiotic ointment.

-Antiseptic wipes.

-Burn ointment.

-Snake bite serum.

-Epi-pen (if needed).

-Aloe Vera gel.

-Activated charcoal/Syrup of ipecac.
-Antihistamines.

-A "one-way" valve, created through petroleum and a gauze wrapper.

-Thermometer.

-Small pair of scissors.

-Tweezers.

-Ace bandage.

-Adhesive tape.

-Heating pad.

-Cold pack.

-Space saving blanket.

-And, if you take any prescription medicines, keep back ups of each one in your first aid kit.

It's also a good idea to include other forms of medication that might be needed.

-Aspirin or Tylenol.

-Antacid.

-Anti-diarrhea medicine.
Though it almost goes without saying, you should add a first aid instruction book. Having a first aid kit means nothing unless you know how to use everything, and what needs to be done.

If you've made it this far, it only takes another few steps to turn a first aid kit into an emergency kit. All it takes is a few more items and a bigger box, such as a large plastic storage container. An emergency kit should contain the following.

-Splits.

-Face shields, enough for the whole family.

-Eye cup.

-Instant chemical cold packs.

-Eye wash.

-Pen light.

-Hand wipes, or baby wipes.

-Bottled water.

-Flashlight.

-Battery powered radio.

-Extra batteries to fit the flashlight and radio.
If so inclined, you can also create a smaller kit to keep in your car all the time; fill it with smaller trial size versions of the medications, along with some bandages.

The best place to store your first aid kit, is an easily accessible place that is neutral in temperature because some of the items loose their potency if the air temperature is too hot or too cold. Also make sure that you keep it in a place that is easy to remember. Having a first aid kit does you no good if you can't find it when you need it. Even more importantly is to remember to check the kit once every few months, and replace any expired items. And if there is prescription medicine inside, rotate it out every few weeks.

The best offense is a good defense, and if you're prepared before an emergency, you'll be prepared if one happens.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Eblin.
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