Everyday emergencies are quite hard to predict, but when they do happen, you want to be prepared. These emergencies include anything from someone falling, to someone getting cut on something sharp, to even burns. Then, of course, you also need to be prepared to deal with any health issues that your family members might develop. For instance, if your parent lives with you and they have a weak bladder, it’s important to be prepared and well-stocked at all times. This is even more imperative if they have more serious, chronic conditions that you need to take care of.
Being prepared means doing the following so that your home is prepped and your family members are ready:
Stock Up
There are some key items that every household should have. You don’t have to buy a prepacked first aid kit, but instead buy your own. Similarly, it is much smarter to buy discount medical supplies, so you can be stocked and prepared for whatever comes your way without spending a fortune.
Take a First-Aid Training Course
Both you and your partner (and any other adults or teenagers in your home) should take a first aid course. These can usually be done locally, usually with an organization like the American Red Cross. You will not only learn how to react to every kind of first-aid emergency, but also how to help with situations like if someone is not choking or not breathing.
Have Drills
This is especially important for younger children. Have drills so that your children can react accordingly. This is especially important if they get hurt and you aren’t in the vicinity, for instance if they are at school or at a friend’s. This is teaching your children how to protect themselves, whether it’s a normal day and the problem is a small injury, or something terrible is happening like they are being abducted.
Let Children Know Danger Spots
Teaching your child why they shouldn’t put things in danger spots like plugs can help protect them. You cannot, however, just tell them no. Instead, show them videos and other informative, child-friendly programs that will help them understand what they can and cannot do around the house.
Ask for Help
If something terrible happens and you need to go to the hospital, have someone in line to come by and take care of the kids. This person could be your neighbor, or a family member. You do, however, need to ask in advance if it’s okay. They will appreciate the precautions that you are giving them and the head’s up that, if something bad happens, they’ll be the first person you call.
The more prepared your family is in an emergency the better. This means training those who are old enough in your family in how to give first aid or how to help the elderly in your household with their medical needs. It also means teaching your younger children what they should do if they are hurt, of it they get lost, or any other emergency situation. The more you prepare, the better you will be able to deal with whatever everyday emergency you have.