What Should Be in Your Home First Aid Kit

Most homes have a first aid kit somewhere — and most of those kits are either expired, incomplete, or buried in a closet nobody can find during an emergency. A proper kit does not need to be large, but it needs to be current and accessible. Essentials: adhesive bandages, sterile gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, scissors, pain relievers, antihistamines, a digital thermometer, and disposable gloves.

Check your kit every six months — replace expired medications, restock used items, and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is. Add personal items like any prescribed emergency medications (EpiPen, inhaler). A well-stocked, easy-to-find first aid kit turns a panicked moment into a manageable one.