Emergency Preparedness- First Aid Kits

The emergency preparedness goal for August is to make sure you have a first aid kit or take inventory of the one you have.  First aid items don't last forever, bandaids lose their stickiness after awhile and items like neosporin do expire.  

The good news is that First Aid kits can be found at almost any store, and you can decide how simple or elaborate to make them.  I bought a few ready made kits at Recreation Outlet for around $10.  I know that Walmart, Target, Emergency Essentials, etc ALL sell first aid kits.  I would just make sure they have all the basics 

 included in the kit before purchasing.  Remember you will want a smaller kit for your vehicles and also a kit for your work kit.  Check out the travel size section of Target & Walmart for a travel size kit for around $1.  They are a perfect size for your purse.

Here is a basic list from about.com

• acetaminophen and/or
• ibuprofen
• tweezers
• alcohol wipes
• antiseptic hand cleaner
• medical adhesive tape
• sterile gauze (four inch squares are best)
• elastic bandages
• several sizes of adhesive bandages
• insect bite swabs
• triple-antibiotic ointment
• hydrogen peroxide
• bandage scissors
• triangular bandages
• instant cold packs
• exam gloves
• barrier device for CPR 

Remember to include a list of anyone in your family who has special medical needs.  Read the link HERE to find out about different ways to help rescue workers know of your medical needs.  

med-Ecase

It is also suggested that we have at least a 3-month supply of over-the-counter medicine & prescription medications on hand.  Talk with your doctor to find out if this is an option for you.  Just picture our world if something happened and the pharmacies were not operational.  There are so many people who take prescription drugs to stay alive, it would be a matter of life or death, literally!!!  During Hurricane Katrina there were victims who were diabetic and were stranded in their homes with no medication.  This story inspired Jennifer Lindley to create a business that makes ready-made emergency kits for people with diabetes, asthma, and (coming this spring) a cardiac kit.  Click HERE to view her website. These are life-saving kits and if you have diabetes or asthma you NEED this in your first-aid or 72-hour kits.  

Don't put off what can be done today!!!  First aid and medications are an important part of everyone's home storage.  

Enjoy the Journey!
Enjoy the Blessings!
Feel the PEACE!!