Every home should have a first aid kit, and every person in that home should know exactly where it is kept. It's not enough to have first aid supplies, if they're always "somewhere," in one cupboard or another, never right where you need them when you need them. Keep your first aid supplies together in one box, and they will always be at hand.

Start with a suitable box. You'll need something large enough to contain all the basic first aid supplies, yet of a portable size. A large tackle box, tool box, or a small plastic tub with a handle on top will work to contain the supplies and keep them organized. Mark the box clearly with the words "First Aid."

Next, fill the box with first aid supplies. These can be purchased from a pharmacy or variety store. The basics should include:

- First Aid manual to study before emergencies arise and to consult in emergencies. Be sure you have the latest manual, since some first aid techniques change.

- List of emergency phone numbers, including Poison Control (800-222-1222 in the U.S.), your doctor, and anyone who should be contacted in an emergency.

- Adhesive bandages. Get one box of 3/4 in wide strips for most simple cuts, and a box of bandages in assorted sizes.

- Butterfly bandages, also called wound closure strips, for holding the edges of larger wounds together until a doctor can be seen.

- Antibiotic ointment for treating cuts and scrapes and to prevent infection.

- Antiseptic wipes, for cleaning wounds and your own hands.

- Sterile gauze pads and gauze roller bandages, to dress larger wounds and to stop bleeding.

- Feminine pads, to be used as absorbent compresses for serious wounds.

- First aid tape, to hold dressings in place.

- Elastic bandages (such as Ace bandages) for wrapping sprains.

- Aluminum finger splints, to support an injured finger.

- Calamine lotion, for poison ivy, poison oak, and insect bites. Calamine is good for drying up the tiny blisters from poison ivy rashes.

- Hydrocortizone cream, for most allergic rashes.

- Sterile eye wash (such as contact lens solution) for cleaning foreign material from the eyes, and to rinse the eyes if any chemicals get into them. Look for eye wash solution that includes an eye cup.

- Scissors, for cutting tape and gauze bandages.

- Tweezers, for removing splinters, stingers, or ticks.

- Instant cold packs, for bruises and sprains. Keep several cold packs in the freezer as well.

- Plastic gloves, several pairs.

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