Now that the warm weather is here, more time spent outdoors as well as more time off for the children can mean more personal injuries and accidents. You will want to make sure that your first-aid kit is stocked up and that you have a personal injury kit as well to help prevent personal injuries and accidents around your home. Your kits should include
1) The first aid essentials. You will want to have plenty of bandages of all sizes, sterile gauze, hydrogen peroxide or another substance for cleaning wounds, antibiotic ointments, and a first-aid manual at minimum. Many stores sell portable first-aid kits with everything you need. Look for the largest and most comprehensive kits you can find. If you already have a kit check the expiry dates of any over-the-counter medicines you have in your kit. You may find that you need to replace some items.
2) Insect sting prevention. Make sure that you have sunblock to keep the rays of the sun at bay as well as insect repellent and after bite ointment to help treat bites. It is also good idea to have on hand small tweezers for removing ticks and other bugs as well as long-sleeved items for wearing outdoors in wooded areas.
3) Trip and fall prevention. As the nights get warmer, we tend to spend more time outdoors. This is a great time to ensure that all outdoor areas and indoor areas are well-lit and free of debris and clutter. Try placing plenty of flashlights with fresh batteries in your emergency kit, at the entrance way of your home and near beds. This way, if anyone needs to get around in the dark, they can do so without tripping and falling.
4) Manuals and safety guides. The more you know about preventing accidents, the more likely you are to prevent them. Most police departments, fire departments, and even utility companies provide safety manuals for kids. Often, these come in the form of coloring books and activity books that allow children to have fun while also learning important safety rules. These can be a great way to teach children how to avoid burn injuries, bicycle accidents, and other serious incidents that are common during the summer months. These free guides and manuals also make a great activity for a rainy afternoon.
5) Proper rainwear. During the rainy spring months, slip and fall accidents are quite common. Invest in rubber boots for the whole family. Make sure the boots all have good treads that prevent slips even in slippery weather. Also, make sure that you have rainwear for bicycling and for walking. Look for products that have hoods but which do not obstruct vision. Look for bright colors that are easily noticed by pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.