Building a summer safety kit

Whether you’re at home or on the go, having a summer safety kit handy can help you be prepared for unexpected emergencies. Your kit should include:

» Bottle of water

» Hand sanitizer to clean your hands before providing first aid

» Antiseptic wipes to clean scrapes and cuts

» Cotton balls, plus bandages, gauze and adhesive tape

» Antibacterial ointment to prevent infection

» Bug repellent containing DEET or picaridin to prevent bites

» Tweezers for splinters and removing ticks

» Plastic gloves for removing a tick or handling poison ivy

» Small plastic bag to store a removed tick for identification

» Hydrocortisone cream for rashes and bug bites

» Instant ice packs for inflammation » Saline solution to clean out eyes

» Sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of at least 30 to prevent burns

» Small doses of over-the-counter medications — children’s versions when appropriate — such as Tylenol, Benadryl, PeptoBismol and Dramamine, or their generic equivalents

» Thermometer

» Non-perishable snack items like trail mix, nuts or granola bars

» Items specific to your family needs such as baby wipes, allergy and asthma medications, or an Epi-Pen

Keep your kit stored somewhere convenient but always out of the reach of young children. When you’re toting your on-the-go kit, make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid overheating the items inside.

Remember to preprogram your cell phone with doctor contact and health insurance information. And don’t forget that you can use your phone to take photos of a plant that irritates a family member’s skin or an insect or snake that bites someone.

This content is provided by UChicago Medicine. This publication does not provide medical advice or treatment suggestions. If you have medical problems or concerns, contact a physician, who will determine your treatment. Do not delay seeking medical advice because of something you read here. For urgent needs, call 911 right away.

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