Summer Safety Starts at Home: Stocking Your First Aid Kit
Every household should have a well-stocked first aid kit. In the summer months, with more options for outdoor and recreational activities, it is especially important to be prepared for potential accidents and injuries. Having a well-equipped first aid kit ready and available can help you react quickly and effectively to injury. Here are some items every at home first aid kit should have:
- Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
- Sterile gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic wipes or solution
- Disposable gloves
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Thermometer (digital or non-mercury)
- Pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
- Antihistamines (for allergic reactions)
- Hydrocortisone cream (for itching and rashes)
- Antibiotic ointment (to prevent infection)
- Calamine lotion (for insect bites and poison ivy)
- Burn ointment or gel
- Eye drops (saline solution)
- Oral rehydration solution packets (for dehydration)
- Instant cold packs
- Elastic bandages (ace bandages)
- CPR mask
- First aid manual or instruction booklet
It's also important to periodically check expiration dates and replace any expired items. Additionally, you may want to consider any specific medical needs or conditions of your family members and include items accordingly (e.g., EpiPen for severe allergies). For more severe medical concerns or serious injury, be sure to seek appropriate medical care. Not sure where to start? Visit our Make the Right Call page.