In any emergency a family member or you yourself may suffer an injury. If you have these basic first aid supplies you are better prepared to help your loved ones when they are hurt.

Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. You may consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.

• Two pairs of Latex or other sterile gloves if you are allergic to Latex

• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding

• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes

• Antibiotic ointment

• Burn ointment

• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes

• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant

• Thermometer

• Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.

• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies

Non-prescription drugs:

• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever

• Anti-diarrhea medication

• Antacid

• Laxative

Other first aid supplies:

• Scissors

• Tweezers

• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Source: FEMA