September is National Preparedness Month, and while no one likes thinking about emergencies, being prepared can make a stressful situation much easier.
Most of us have probably said, “We have a first aid kit somewhere.” But when was the last time you actually opened it? Is the antibiotic ointment expired? Are there enough bandages? Does the thermometer still work? Do you have the medications your family regularly needs? And could you actually find all of it quickly if the power went out in the middle of the nightNational Preparedness Month is a good reminder to take a few minutes and make sure your family has what it needs before you actually need it.
Start With a Really Good First Aid Kit
Every home should have a well-stocked first aid kit, and ideally, you should keep a smaller version in your car. You can buy a premade kit or put one together yourself. Either way, do not just toss it into a cabinet and forget about it. A first aid kit is only useful if it has the right supplies and everyone in your household knows where to find it.
For the basics, consider keeping:
- Adhesive bandages in several sizes
- Sterile gauze pads
- Gauze rolls
- Medical tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Nonlatex disposable gloves
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- An instant cold pack
- A digital thermometer
- Saline solution
- An emergency blanket
- A first aid guide
The American Red Cross recommends keeping first aid kits at home and in the car and checking them regularly for expired or used supplies. And do not forget that your family’s first aid kit should actually look like it belongs to your family.
If you have young children, make sure you have supplies appropriate for their ages. If someone has severe allergies, asthma, diabetes, or another medical need, think about what that person might require during an emergency. Glasses, contact lenses, hearing aid batteries, and other medical supplies are easy to overlook when putting together a general emergency kit.
Do Not Forget About Medications
This is one of the most important parts of emergency preparedness and one that can easily get overlooked. Think about what would happen if you suddenly could not get to your usual pharmacy or doctor’s office. What medications does your family rely on every day?
The American Red Cross recommends including a seven-day supply of medications and necessary medical items in an emergency preparedness kit when possible.
Start by making a list of every prescription medication taken by members of your household. Write down the medication name, dosage, how often it is taken, why it is taken, the prescribing provider and your pharmacy information.
Keep a printed copy with your emergency supplies. Having the information saved on your phone can be helpful too, but remember that your phone may not always be charged or accessible during an emergency.
You may also want to keep common over the counter medications and health supplies available, based on what is appropriate for your household. This might include pain and fever medication, antihistamines, stomach medications, oral glucose, electrolyte products and any other items your family regularly uses. If you have children, make sure you have age appropriate products and know the correct dosing instructions.
Never take or give a medication unless you know it is appropriate for that person. If you are unsure about what medications belong in your family’s emergency supplies, ask your healthcare provider.
And check those expiration dates. Medications and first aid supplies should not sit untouched for years. Make it a habit to go through everything a couple of times a year and replace anything that has expired, leaked, been damaged or already been used.
Think Beyond Bandages
A first aid kit is important, but it is only one part of being prepared. Your emergency supplies should also include plenty of water, food that does not require refrigeration, flashlights, extra batteries, phone chargers or portable power banks, personal hygiene supplies, copies of important documents, emergency contact information and some cash. If you have a baby, think formula, diapers, wipes and any feeding supplies you may need.
Have pets? Keep extra food, water, medications, a leash or carrier and copies of important veterinary information with your supplies. FEMA encourages families to think about the things they use every single day when building an emergency kit, including food, water and medicine.
Keep Some Supplies in the Car Too
Emergencies do not always happen while everyone is comfortably at home. Keeping a smaller emergency kit in your car can come in handy for everything from a minor injury at the park to being stuck somewhere longer than expected. Include a small first aid kit, bottled water, a flashlight, phone charger, emergency blanket, basic hygiene supplies and any other essentials that make sense for your family. If you regularly travel with children, keeping a few extra kid friendly supplies in the car is never a bad idea either.
Know What You Can Handle at Home and What Needs Medical Attention
Being prepared does not mean you have to become your family’s doctor. A first aid kit is great for minor cuts, scrapes, small burns and other basic injuries. But some situations need professional medical attention. Deep cuts, wounds that will not stop bleeding, possible broken bones, significant burns, allergic reactions, breathing problems, head injuries, severe dehydration or symptoms that are getting worse should not simply be handled with whatever happens to be in the medicine cabinet. And for serious or life threatening emergencies, call 911 or seek emergency medical care right away.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
You do not have to build the perfect emergency kit in one afternoon. Start with what you already have. Pull out your first aid kit. Check the expiration dates. Restock the bandages everyone has used. Make a medication list. Add a thermometer. Put some basic supplies in the car. Then ask yourself one simple question: If something happened tonight, would we have what we need?
National Preparedness Month is a good reminder that emergencies are unpredictable, but being prepared does not have to be complicated. A stocked first aid kit, necessary medications, basic emergency supplies, and a plan for your family can make a big difference when the unexpected happens.
And if an illness or injury occurs that needs medical attention, Marque Urgent Care is here seven days a week to help you and your family get the care you need.
Favorite Platform
New Content
