Image by Mat Honan

Being prepared for a disaster is the easiest way to improve your chances for survival. Emergency preparedness will also help to reduce the fear, anxiety and losses that are associated with disasters. An important element of any emergency disaster survival kit is a first aid kit.

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Image by Mat Honan

Being prepared for a disaster is the easiest way to improve your chances for survival. Emergency preparedness will also help to reduce the fear, anxiety and losses that are associated with disasters. An important element of any emergency disaster survival kit is a first aid kit.

An emergency first aid kit should contain a variety of basic supplies that will enable you to handle the most typical, non-life threatening injuries. You can either purchase a pre-assembled first aid kit, or create your own. In either case, your first aid kit should contain at least, the following items.

Bandages:

• Adhesive bandages of various sizes
• 5” x 9” sterile dressings
• 3” square sterile gauze pads
• 4” square sterile gauze pads
• Roller gauze bandage
• Triangular bandages
• A roll of 3” cohesive bandage
• 2” wide adhesive tape

Antibacterial Items:

• Germicidal hand wipes or alcohol based hand sanitizer
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibacterial ointment
• Pairs of medical grade, Non-latex gloves

Miscellaneous:

• Tongue depressor blades (can be used as finger splints)
• Cold packs
• Scissors (small, personal)
• Cotton balls
• Tweezers
• Safety pins, assorted sizes
• Thermometer
• Tube or small jar of petroleum jelly
• Sunscreen
• CPR breathing barrier (face shield)
• First Aid reference manual

This basic list should be customized based on where you live (hot or cold climates) and the most probable type of emergency disaster situation you expect to encounter (do you live in a flood plain, a hurricane or tornado region, earthquake zone, or an area prone to wildfires, to name a few. Additionally, if you or your family members have any special medical needs (such as prescription medication) these should also be included in your emergency first aid kit.

In an emergency disaster situation, there are basic supplies that will greatly improve your chances of survival and an adequate first aid kit is one of them.