Daylight savings has arrived. Soon warmer weather, longer days and new seasons will rush in. This time of year is also a great reminder to check that your home is safe and that you have the proper items in your first aid kit. You never know when an emergency can strike and the added time outdoors being more active could increase risks. Cuts, scrapes, bee stings and more are all possible.
Here are tips to ensure your first aid kit is properly stocked and ready for whatever the season brings.
Remove Expired and Damaged Items
First things first, you should pull out your first aid kit even if you haven’t had any unfortunate situations and needed to use it in a while, there are still products that should be replaced, tossed or even added to ensure your kit serves the best purpose.
Check for any products that have become broken, soiled or damaged during storage as they will not be effective during an emergency and are best replaced. Check each product for expiration dates that could render it no longer effective. Remember that items with a seal broken or opened and used only a few times could still become contaminated or even lose potency and should be replaced.
Take Inventory
Once you’ve cleared away the products that are no longer useful, take a full inventory of the items (number counts) that you are left with. This available inventory may be missing adequate amounts of band aids and ointment to make it through the season for example. While compiling your list, you should also think about what risks are most present in the environment and ensure you have proper first aid supplies to address them. A good idea is to think about past injuries that have already occurred and the likelihood they’ll happen again and stock up for what’s needed.
Order First Aid Supplies
After you've compiled a list of the supplies you’ll need to replenish and properly stock your first aid kit, head over to 1stAidSupplies.com for the largest selection of high quality first aid products and personal protection equipment. Whether you’re looking for common first aid supplies like bandages, gauze, antiseptics, ointments, and pain relievers or specialty items for EMTs and first responders, we have you covered.
Organize Your Supplies
Once your supplies arrive you should promptly organize your first aid kit and be sure everyone knows where to find it and how to use it in case of an emergency. If you have a first aid kit in a metal box you might have it hanging on the wall in a dedicated area. Or, you may have pieced together a kit that best fits your needs and is stored in a plastic box you purchased for easy transport. Regardless of how you keep a first aid kit, the best way to be prepared for the unexpected is to have it neat and easy to get to.