There are few things in life more important than being safe and secure. One very crucial step in keeping safe is to be prepared for minor and major emergencies and accidents in the home. In addition to keeping your insurance current and premiums paid, you should ensure that your family has an emergency evacuation plan (to be discussed later) and a comprehensive, complete first aid kit.

There are pretty basic rules to having a first aid kit - make sure that everyone in your family knows where the kit is (ours is in our front hall closet/organization station, clearly labelled). Make sure that you keep the kit complete and up-to-date (expired or emptied items should be replenished regularly. I do a comprehensive check twice a year - when Daylight Savings Time begins and ends). Make sure you everyone knows how to use the items in your kit.

Our first aid kit contains the following things, and included is a list of their purposes. We wanted to keep the list as simple and multi-purpose as possible to save space and avoid wasted product. In our household, we have two adults and two dogs - I have also included a list of things suitable for children and elderly family members.

* A List of Emergency Contacts - This list contains our doctors, vets, dentists, family members, etc. who should be contacted in case of emergency. Included on this list is personal information (i.e. our health card numbers/policy numbers), available in one location to make emergency situations as easy as possible.
* 3% Hydrogen Peroxide - Used to clean superficial abrasions, sores, cuts and infections. Hydrogen Peroxide can also be used to induce vomiting - please call poison control prior to using this method.
* Moleskin Bandage Tape - Used to cut your own bandages and to hold items together (i.e. gauze).
* Tampons and Maxi-Pads - Used for maximum absorption in the event of a more serious cut (pads) or nosebleed (tampon). As an aside, you don't need to use the pads with wings!
* Polysporin/Antibiotic Ointment - Used to further treat minor abrasions, sores, cuts and infections; a step between cleaning with peroxide and bandaging with moleskin.
* Epi-pen - An adrenaline auto-injector used in the event of a major allergy/anaphylactic shock.
* Benadryl - Used in the event of a minor allergy (also useful for dog allergies - see you vet for dosage)
* Aspirin - To be given in the event of a heart attack (please make sure you contact an appropriate health care professional in addition to this).
* Ace Bandage - Used for sprains and strains.
* Ibuprofen - Used as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory oral drug.
* Waterless Sanitizer - Used to disinfect yourself following any first-aid care performed on someone else.
* Additional Tools - Small syringe for oral Benadryl doses (dogs), scissors, latex gloves, safety pins, tweezers, small and large Ziploc bags, cotton swabs, thermometer, and a flashlight.
* First Aid Instruction Booklet - Used to give instruction in the event of shock, the need for CPR, etc.

In addition to having the kit, make sure every member of your family is aware of its place and its purpose. Go over each item and the first aid instruction booklet completely, ensuring that everyone will know what to do in the event of an emergency situation. An emergency situation is hectic and stressful, but having a well-planned system can help resolve any minor problems and keep everyone safe and secure.

Learn more about this author, Kalyn Cybulski.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Essential first aid kit supplies for your home?
We want to hear your view. Write now!