How to Prepare a Home Safety Kit

Martha shows Cameron Mathison how to prepare a home safety kit, No. 1 of "30 Things Everyone Should Know."

Create a Home Safety Kit

We all hope the worst never happens, but we still want to be prepared to deal with emergencies. Having a fully stocked first-aid kit and "Go Bag" is sure to help us take care of the small cuts, scrapes, and other problems we occasionally encounter; properly equipped, a first-aid kit might even help save our lives.

Assembling a First-Aid Kit
-Activated charcoal (use only if instructed by poison control center)
-Adhesive tape
-Antiseptic ointment
-Band-Aids (assorted sizes)
-Birth certificates
-Blanket
-Cold pack
-Diapers, if you have a baby
-Disposable gloves
-Gauze pads and roller gauze (assorted sizes)
-Hand cleaner
-Hat
-Nonperishable pet food
-Plastic bags
-Pocketknife
-Scissors and tweezers
-Small flashlight and extra batteries
-Syrup of ipecac (use only if instructed by poison control center). Note: Ipecac is a medicine that can be purchased in any pharmacy without a prescription that, when given to a child or an adult, will induce vomiting.
-Tissues
-Triangular bandage
-Warm coat

First-Aid Kit Tips
1. Whether you buy or put together a first-aid kit, make sure it has all the items you may need.

2. Include any personal items, such as medications and emergency phone numbers, or other items your physician may suggest.

3. Check the kit regularly to be sure the flashlight batteries work. Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date items.

4. Remember, the contents of a first-aid kit can be dangerous in the hands of young children, so it should be stored out of their reach.

Assembling a "Go Bag"
According to the New York City Office of Emergency Management, every household should assemble a go bag -- a collection of items each person might need in the event of an evacuation.

Go Bag Contents
-Copies of your important documents in a waterproof and portable container (insurance cards, photo ids, proof of address, deeds and titles to property, and other such items)
-Extra set of car and house keys
-Credit and ATM cards and cash, especially in small denominations (but still have $50 to $100 on hand)
-Bottled water and nonperishable food such as energy or granola bars
-Flashlight, battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries; you can also buy a wind-up radio that does not require batteries
-Medication and other essential personal items. Be sure to refill medications before they expire. Keep a list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages.
-A complete first-aid kit
-Sturdy, comfortable shoes; lightweight rain gear; and a Mylar blanket
-Contact and meeting-place information for your household, and a small regional map
-Child-care supplies or other special care items

Go Bag Tips
1. Each household's go bag should be packed in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or suitcase on wheels.

2. A go bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave your home in a hurry.

3. Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year.

Get the Full Article

How to Prepare a Home Safety Kit

Related Videos 23 Videos