1 . How to Create a Home First Aid Kit

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, so having a properly stocked first aid kit in your home is an easy but essential part of good emergency preparation. Here are some useful tips for you to personalize your own first aid kit.

Pick a good container. You can buy pre-filled first aid kits, and you can also buy empty first aid kit containers.    1    One good choice is a large, water-resistant, flexible plastic container with either a zipper (拉链) closure or a lid. Lunchboxes are also another good option.

    2    When your child is crying about a wound on her knee, you don't want your home kit buried on the back of a closet. Establish a clearly-defined, consistent spot for your first aid kit, on a visible closet shelf, for instance, and inform everyone in your home of its location.

Teach your family about the kit.     3     For younger children who shouldn’t try to use the items in the kit, teach them where it is located, so they could show a visitor, relative, babysitter, etc. For older children and adults, instruct them on when to retrieve (收回) the kit and how to use the various items in it.

Keep your kit up-to-date. No one wants to fetch a first aid kit and find the bandage box empty or the painkillers expired.     4     You’ve probably heard that you should check the batteries in your smoke detectors. This would also be a good opportunity to check the status of your first aid kit and restock it as needed.

Create a checklist to include with the kit. Stock your first aid kit and record every item on a sheet of paper you can keep it in the kit. Record amounts and expiration dates next to the listed items on the checklist you include in your kit.     5