Emergencies can happen anytime, so being prepared for one is important for you and your family. Having a properly stocked first aid kit in your home is an easy but necessary part of good emergency preparation.
Pick a good container
One good choice is a large translucent plastic container, which makes it easy to see the materials inside. Lunchboxes are also another good choice. Basically, if it's big enough, portable, and at least somewhat water resistant, it can make a good container. Regardless of your container choice, it should be easy to recognize, so write "FIRST AID" on it with a marker.
Make your kit safely accessible
When your child is crying about a "boo-boo" on her knee, you don't want your home kit buried on the back of a closet or lost because it's not being returned to the same spot after each use.
Teach your family about the kit
For younger children who shouldn't use the items in the kit, teach them where it's located, so they could show a visitor, relative or babysitter. For older children and adults, instruct them on how to use the items in it. Use a first aid instruction booklet, like those available from the American Red Cross for guidance and place a booklet in the kit for reference.
Keep your kit up-to-date
No one wants to fetch a first aid kit and find the bandage box empty or the pain relievers expired(过期). Keep track of supply amounts and expiration dates regularly.
Create a checklist in the kit
Record every item on a sheet of paper and keep it in the kit. Besides, record the amounts of the items and expiration dates next to the listed items on the checklist that you include in your kit. In this way, anyone who wants to reach the kit can immediately know what it includes and doesn't include. Also, they can be clear whether the items can be used.
