Affordable Emergency Medical Kits
One of the most important things to remember is that the best time plan for a disaster or emergency is before one actually occurs. Here are some simple, important steps you can take to keep safe:
- Prepare a disaster supply kit.
- Prepare a medical emergency kit.
- Create a home evacuation plan.
- Create an emergency communication plan and meeting spot in case you and your family lose phone access.
- Consider and make a list of all the steps you can take to protect your property.
- Gather and secure all your important documents in one place.
You may also want to consider taking a basic first-aid and CPR course. This is especially important if you have someone with a serious or potentially serious medical condition in your household, if you have small children, or if you live in a disaster prone area. These classes are typically easy to find throughout most communities. Contact local hospitals, colleges, and your local chapter of The American Red Cross to find out which class would be best suited for you and your family.
When assembling your emergency toolkits, remember that these kits should include all that you need to get you through a medical emergency or unforeseen disaster. A good emergency toolkit is more than just bandages and a list of phone numbers. And, really, there's no such thing as just one, catchall emergency kit. There are two types of emergency toolkits that you should always have on hand, just in case:
- Emergency first-aid toolkit
- Disaster supply toolkit
You should also consider a vehicle emergency kit. These small pre-assembled kits are easy to find and important to have in your vehicle at all times.
All of these kits should be stored in an area easy to access in any situation. These kits are simple and inexpensive to assemble, and most importantly, will make responding to an emergency that much faster.
Remember that your emergency kit is not limited to the lists provided here. If anyone in your household has a special medical condition, be sure to keep that condition in mind and stock items specific to that person's needs.
