We sure hope that you and your family are able to avoid accidents and illnesses, but in the event yo do encounter an emergency, will you be prepared with First Aid supplies? According to Giggle magazine (see p. 9), the Mayo Clinic and American Red Cross recommend you keep 10 items in your at-home kit:
- First Aid instruction manual
- Bandages
- Aspirin (Ibuprofen for children)
- Antiseptic wipes
- Gauze pads and rolled gauze
- Disposable latex gloves (or alternative in the event of a latex allergy)
- Antibiotic and hydrocortisone ointments
- Scissors and tweezers
- Instant cold packs
- Activated charcoal tablets
Giggle magazine expands on each of these items and adds some extra tips, like “add a thermometer to your kit to keep track of temperatures” (p. 9). Also, you should consider keeping First Aid kits in your vehicles—add to these kits some sunscreen, personal medications, medications for an allergic reaction, and emergency phone numbers.
