First Aid On-the-Go
A first aid kit, with necessary items to go with the year-round climate, is a must. Skip buying the store-bought kit and make your own. Where possible, buy regular-sized packages of the suggested items below. Then, divide the individual essentials into small-zippered plastic bags (available in the bead section of your local craft store). This is a great afternoon project to do with your kids. Make a kit for dad’s car, mom’s car, vacation travel and one for grandparent’s house. Pack all of the items in a polycarbonate water bottle (many times you can get these for free from local businesses and at expos), cosmetic bags or containers you have on hand.
- Pain reliever/anti-flammatory reliever
- Antihistamine
- Nasal decongestant
- Anti-diarrhea tablets
- Antiseptic towelettes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Electrolyte packets
- Instant cold compress
- Bandages/mole skin (for blisters)
- Gauze pads/gauze roll
- First aid tape
- First Aid booklet
- Hand sanitizer
- Non-latex gloves, two pairs, large
- Scissors, small
- Tweezers (for removal of ticks, splinters and such)
- Thermometer
- Bandanas (for slings)
- Safety pins (use with bandanas)
- Sunscreen, small bottle (for warmer weather)
- Sunburn relief cream (for warmer weather)
Seasonal Car Survival Kit
Keep your car packed with emergency necessities in case of a breakdown. You can pack most of these items in a one-pound coffee can. With a rubber band, affix the garbage bags to the outside of the coffee can. Place the blanket, bottled water and coffee can inside a small crate in your trunk or back of your van.
- Paper and pen
- Matches
- Small flashlight (with fresh batteries)
- Multi-tool
- Reflector tape, orange
- Poncho, orange
- Whistle
- Money (about $3.00 in coins and $20 bill)
- Candles, wrapped in foil
- Garbage bags, large
- Protein bars/single-size packages of nuts
- Bottled water
- Kitty litter, small bag (for traction in winter months)
- Old cell phone (cell phones do not need to have a current service contract to dial 911. Be sure the battery is charged and tuck it into your coffee can.)
