Costco Connection - January 2011

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.”