In case of
emergency
Also, Rogg suggests making a checklist of all items
in the kit, with expiration dates. That way, you’ll
keep it up-to-date, and refill as you use items.
Making your
own first-aid
and disaster kits
Learn more
American Red Cross
www.redcross.org
Ready.gov
www.ready.gov/
Federal Emergency
Management Agency
www.fema.gov/are
youready/
CDC Emergency
Preparedness &
Response site
www.bt.cdc.gov
Healthy Net
www.healthy.net/scr/
MainLinks.aspx?Id=170
Web MD
firstaid.webmd.com
By Judi Ketteler
WELL;STOCKED FIRST;AID and emergency-preparedness kits are essential to keeping your family safe, according to the American Red Cross. And
the value of preparedness is priceless, says Gary
Rogg, M.D., an internist at Montefiore Medical
Center in New York City. Where does one start?
Here’s a checklist for both. (Items checked are available at most Costcos and/or Costco.com.)
Emergency-preparedness kits
“We advocate that, in any disaster, people try to
be prepared for 72 hours,” says Darryl Madden,
director of the Ready Campaign at the Federal
Emergency Management Agency. “Government
and first responders can’t be everywhere, so we all
need to take personal responsibility for the safety of
our family.”
MEDIA BAKERY
Your preparedness kit can reflect what you and
your family need most, taking into account everything from pets to family members’ special needs.
For your home kit, use a sturdy backpack or large
duffel bag and think strategically about where to
put it (such as in the closet near the door, so you
can grab it on your way out if you have to evacuate).
You might even make a small kit for each member
of your family.
Madden recommends these basics:
First-aid kits
Start with a lightweight but durable case with a
latch, such as an art-supply box or tackle box, Rogg
says. Make sure your kit has a simple first-aid manual, as well as an index card with basic contact
information, such as for your doctor/pediatrician
or poison control. Rogg recommends stocking the
kit with the following items:
✓ ❑ Gauze pads of different sizes
✓ ❑ Adhesive bandages of different sizes
❑ Adhesive tape (he recommends paper tape since
many people, especially kids, have sensitivity to
regular tape)
❑ Ace bandage
✓ ❑ Antiseptic wipes, alcohol wipes (these should be
in a zippered plastic bag so they don’t dry out)
✓ ❑ Antibiotic ointment
✓ ❑ Hydrocortisone cream
✓ ❑ Disposable cold pack
✓ ❑ Scissors and sterile gloves
❑ Calamine lotion
✓ ❑ Hydrogen peroxide
✓ ❑ Over-the-counter meds such as acetaminophen,
ibuprofen, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and a
decongestant
✓ ❑ Lip ointment, a small flashlight and a thermometer if you want a more advanced kit
❑ Eye patches, soap pads and tweezers
Involving your kids in kit assembly is a great
way to start teaching them some first-aid basics.
HOME
❑ First-aid kit
✓ ❑ Flashlight (with extra batteries)
❑ Battery-powered radio, plus batteries
✓ ❑ One gallon of water per person, per day, for
three days
✓ ❑ Three-day supply of nonperishable food (plus
can opener and utensils)
❑ Matches in a waterproof container
✓ ❑ Blanket for each person
✓ ❑ Change of clothes for each person
✓ ❑ Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
❑ Whistle (to signal for help)
✓ ❑ Dust masks (to filter contaminated air)
✓ ❑ Prescription medications and glasses
❑ Cash
✓ ❑ Other basic needs for your family members (e.g.,
pet food, baby formula and diapers, books or
games for kids)
The Costco
Connection
If you want to put together
your own first-aid and
emergency kits, the items
checked at right are usually
available at Costco. Pre-made
emergency kits are also
available in the warehouses
and on Costco.com. For more
information on being prepared
for emergencies, see the
Costco Household Almanac
on Costco.com by typing
“almanac” in the search box.
At the next search box,
enter “emergency.”
CAR
❑ Booster cables
✓ ❑ Tire repair kit and pump
✓ ❑ Flares
✓ ❑ Fire extinguisher (5-pound ABC type)
❑ Shovel
✓ ❑ Local maps
❑ First-aid kit
✓ ❑ Blanket
✓ ❑ Flashlight and batteries
✓ ❑ Bottled water
✓ ❑ High-energy nonperishable foods (e.g., granola
bars or trail mix) C
JANUARY 2011 ;e Costco Connection 59 JANUARY 2011 ;e Costco Connection 59
Judi Ketteler writes about health and fitness topics
for many publications.