Affordable First Aid Kits
Below you'll find lists of suggested items to include in your emergency first-aid kit and disaster kit. We've included the basics, but keep in mind any items specific to your family's needs or to the type of disaster you're most likely to experience where you live.
Emergency First-Aid Kit
Emergency Call List
This is the staple of any first-aid kit. The list should include doctors, any specialty physicians, friends or relatives who would be willing to provide transportation or childcare. This list should also include the claim number for your insurance provider.
Allergy List
In the event you or a family member needs immediate medical attention, keep a list of known allergies. This prevents emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or any other respondents from administering a drug that could possibly worsen the condition.
Adhesive bandages, gauze, and scissors
Styptic pencil or powder
A styptic is a chalky hemostat agent that stops bleeding. It comes in pencil and powder forms, and is useful for shaving, wounds, scraped knees, animal bites and other cuts. In the case of a very severe wound, apply pressure to stop the bleeding and call 911.
Hydrogen peroxide or antiseptic gel
Thermometer
Oral medicine syringe
This is optional, but a good idea if there are young children in your household, or if you host family events where young children may be present.
Chewable Aspirin
Aspirin can buy valuable time during a heart attack. Chewing the tablet gets the drug into your bloodstream faster, and will provide time for emergency services to arrive. Remember to always call 911 FIRST if you think you or someone you love is having a heart attack.
Disaster Supply Kit
In the case of an emergency weather situation or other community disaster, things like power, water, or food may be unavailable for some time. A disaster kit should always provide these necessities in the event they can't be found anywhere else, or if leaving home is not an option.
Although it is unlikely that you will be in a situation where power, water and food will be unavailable for two weeks or longer, it's a good idea to plan for the worst. Consider stocking your kit with quantities that could last for at least two weeks. If you have pets or service animals, be sure to remember their needs as well.
Water
Water is the most important thing to have in any emergency. Three gallons for each person is a minimum. Consider having a two-week supply on hand.
Food
This should include non-perishables such as canned goods and dried items.
Flashlights or other battery-powered light sources
Several are ideal if there is more than one person in your household.
Batteries
Make sure that the backup batteries fit the electronics in the kit, should you need to replace one.
Plenty of blankets
Essential medications for all members of the household
Battery-powered radio or television
These should be available to keep you up-to-date on the situation at hand.
Matches, Candles
Always include these in case one or more of your other light sources fails.
These are just a few of the essential items recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For a detailed list of disaster-preparedness supplies, visit their site at www.bt.cdc.gov.
