Anatomy of a First Aid Kit and Disaster Supplies Kit

 First Aid Kit

First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes.  You can purchase one at the American Red Cross, Milford Chapter, from a drug store, or you can make your own kit.  Some kits are designed for special activities such as hiking, camping or boating.  Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, make sure it has all the items you may need.  Include any personal items, such as medications and emergency phone numbers, or other items your health care provider may suggest. Check the kit regularly.  Make sure the flashlight batteries work.  Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.  The contents of a first aid kit can be dangerous in the hands of your children.  Store your first aid kit in a secure place out of the reach of young children.
 

Hear are suggestions for the contents of a first aid kit:

                              

2 absorbent compress dressings (5x9 inches) 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes) 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch) 5 triple antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each) 5 antiseptic wipe packets 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each) 1 blanket (space blanket) 1 breathing barrier (with one-way value) 1 instant cold compress 2 pair of non-latex gloves (size - large) 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each) Scissors 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide) 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide) 5 sterile gauze pads (3x3 inches) 5 sterile gauze pads (4x4 inches) Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass) 2 triangular bandages Tweezers First aid instruction booklet

Disaster Supplies Kit

What you have on hand when a disaster occurs can make a big difference.  Basic services such as electricity, gas, water and telephones may be cut off, or you may have to evacuate at a moment's notice.  Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes.

How to Store Your Kit - Keep your disaster supplies kit in a rugged, but easy to carry container.  A large covered trash container, overnight backpack or duffel bag all work.  Keep a smaller version of the kit in the trunk of your car.

The Milford Chapter has a pre-assembled 2 person disaster kit for sale.  Please call the Chapter for information.

The 15 Kit Basics:

        1.  Water - One gallon per person, per day for three days.

        2.  Flashlight - Remember extra batteries and/or glow sticks.

        3.  Bandages - A first aid kit with reference guide.

        4.  Radio - Battery operated radio with extra batteries.

        5.  Map - A guide of local roads and landmarks in case an evacuation is necessary.

        6.  Food - Three-day supply of non-perishable, high-protein, high-calorie food that family members enjoy: energy bars, canned tuna, peanut butter, etc.

        7.  Manual can opener

        8.  Crescent wrench - Specific tools for utility shut-off when necessary.

        9.  Money - Extra cash and coins.

       10.  Clothing - Blankets, extra clothing, sturdy shoes and gloves.

       11.  Pet Supplies - Food and water for pets.

       12.  Contacts - Emergency contact list.  

       13.  Duct tape, plastic sheeting/large plastic garbage bags - Items for sheltering in place.

       14.  A detailed guide to disaster preparedness.  Available from the Milford Chapter (203) 874-2531.

       15.  Prescriptions, other important items/documents - Three-day supply of prescription medications, extra eyeglasses, copies of important documents (prescription lists, insurance papers, birth certificates, passports) and comfort items such as toys or books.

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