If someone in your home got sick or injured today, or if there was a natural disaster (knock on wood), would you have everything you need to care for yourself and the other members of your household? If you haven’t peeked in your medicine chest in recent memory, or simply haven’t gotten around to putting your emergency supplies together, here’s what to include in your kits, where to store them and how to maintain them properly. It’s sort of like having your teeth cleaned — you will feel good when it’s done.
If you have young children in the home, store it up high. For homes with both young and older kids, show the older children how to use a stepladder to retrieve the kit if needed, stressing that it is for emergencies only, and is not a toy.
2. Medical kit. Being prepared for common illnesses, aches and pains can save a lot of hassle and midnight drugstore runs. Check expiration dates on your prescription medications, and return leftovers to the pharmacy (call ahead: most will accept them). Medications flushed down the toilet can enter our water supply; be on the safe side and take the time to dispose of them properly.
Because both over-the-counter and prescription medications can be dangerous when not taken as intended, it is best to keep them high and hidden, whether or not you have kids in the house. Safely dispose of unused, unneeded and expired medications.
Antibiotic ointmentBand-AidsTweezersFever reducers and pain relieversAspirinThermometerRubbing alcoholHydrogen peroxideAntacidsAntihistaminesAnti-itch lotionLaxativesAnti-diarrhea medicationCold, cough and flu medicationsYou may wish to consider adding some natural remedies that serve the same purpose as one or more of the items above. Consult your health care practitioner for more ideas.
Where to store: Don’t hide your kit so deep in the basement or garage that you can’t find it when you need it. In the garage near the back door, in a coat closet near the front door or in the pantry are all good choices.
Storing your supplies in a brightly colored backpack is a smart choice, as it can easily be found and toted along if you ever needed to evacuate your home.
How to be prepared for an emergency evacuation
Supplement your basic kit with personal items you would want in an emergency: medications, favorite shelf-stable foods, a change of clothes for each person in the house, pet food, plus something to read, play or do. Finally, tuck in a list of emergency numbers and a solar charger for your cellphone.
Maintaining your kits: Try to tie in maintaining your medical and emergency kits with another chore you do every six months or so, such as steam-cleaning your carpet or inspecting your gutters. Check for and dispose of expired items, and replace as necessary. Then give yourself a big pat on the back and revel in the feeling of being prepared.
More: How to pick an emergency generator
This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
Taking a first aid and CPR course from your local Red Cross is smart, particularly for those with kids or elders in the house.