Eight First Aid Kits You Need (and What to Put in Them)
Apparently, we’re all thinking about emergencies: FEMA reports that more than 80% of Americans have collected emergency supplies, and people are buying more emergency kits than ever before. These kits, along with an evacuation plan (and some basic first aid knowledge), will likely be enough to help you survive natural disasters and other life-threatening events.
But emergency kits can only help if they contain everything you need and if you can reach them when disaster strikes. Every first aid kit should have plenty of “universal” supplies, but you need specific kits tailored to your specific needs and the conditions around you, and you need to have more than one kit because you may not have time to run home and dig through a dirty basement looking for the emergency kit you bought two years ago and forgot about. Here’s a quick guide to the essential kits you need.
Seasonal kits
If you live in an area that experiences more than one season, you’ll need to rotate seasonally appropriate versions of all your essentials:
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Summer emergency kits should contain extra water (in addition to the water supply you should already have), sun protection (including sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat), rain gear, and some emergency cooling supplies such as a cooling towel or a cold towel. bags to protect you from extreme heat.
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Winter emergency kits include compact blankets or sleeping bags, body and hand warmers , extra waterproof outerwear in case you have to spend a lot of time outdoors, and collapsible digging tools so you can get out of the snow.
Locations
Having seasonal versions of your emergency kits (and rotating them so you always have the right version on hand) is key, but even the most carefully curated and well-stocked emergency kit won’t help if you can’t get it at a moment’s notice. flash. If you’re not at home 24 hours a day, make sure you have kits tucked away in key places:
Vehicle kits. Have a kit for every car you drive:
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Car kits should include everything you need (first aid, seasonal gear, etc.), plus a seat belt cutter and glass breaker , flares , ice scraper, carpet scraps, or kitty litter (to provide traction for your car in icy conditions), tire repair kit and duct tape (for quick repairs). If you have a boat, boat kits will require some specialty items in addition to the basic ones, such as a fire extinguisher , a flare gun , and boat-specific tools for emergency repairs.
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Portable kits. If you travel regularly and over relatively long distances on public transport such as a bus or train, consider a small, portable first aid kit containing the essentials (first aid, water, food, solar phone charger , etc.) that you can throw into a large bag. bags and take them with you.
Home kits. The only emergency kit that almost everyone has is lying somewhere at home. Make sure it’s in an accessible location, keep it seasonal, change perishable foods and batteries, and check all equipment to make sure it’s still in good working order.
You might consider adding a second set to your garage, if you have one, or to another outside area of your home. If an emergency strikes very quickly and you have to simply run from home, having a spare emergency kit somewhere can be a life saver.
Work kits. You can’t be sure you’ll be home or even in your car when an emergency occurs, so keep a small emergency kit in another place where you spend a lot of time: at work.
Special kits
In addition to the medical, food, and seasonal tools and supplies you’ll need in your first aid kits, you should have separate kits for specific purposes:
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Pet kits. If you have pets, pack an emergency kit for them that includes extra food, water, medicine, a carrier or leash, pet blankets or coats, and anything else they might need if you suddenly have to grab them and run.
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Power kits. Whether you are able to shelter in place or need to evacuate, having emergency lighting and a power kit at the ready will be an advantage. Battery-powered flashlights and flashlights are also suitable, as are hand-cranked flashlights or saltwater flashlights , which do not require batteries. The key is to have a kit that allows you to use the light and charger where you need it, without having to scramble around in the dark.