first aid kit

Having a first aid kit specifically for your pet in mind is a good thing to have, whether you're traveling with or without your pet, but it's also a smart thing to have around the house even when you aren't traveling. Packing a first aid kit and leaving it with your sitter instructions should be a must-do before you head out. There are more important things for your pet sitter to worry about if there was an accident than running around your place looking for bandages! Just placing these supplies in a waterproof container or shoebox will do, just so long as they are easy for your sitter to find. What should go in the kit?

• Cotton balls, Q-Tips, Gauze
• Bandages, bandage tape, and small scissors to cut it with
• Hydrogen peroxide, hydrocortisone cream, and antibacterial ointment for cuts

There are a few more important items to include when you read more

We've all got bathroom essentials to store that may not necessarily be for all eyes to see (you know what I mean), and of course we've got to have a healthy supply of first aid supplies. There's no reason, though, to throw them in a messy drawer, or let them pile up on the bathroom counter. With these red cross medicine cabinets, you can bring a little bit of pharmacy chic into your home without compromising your counterspace, and you don't have to be Swiss to own one.

Good:

This HEAL's Cross Design Medicine Cabinet ($91) keeps your essentials under lock and key, and out of the hands of small children. It's wall mountable, so you can view all of your goodies at eye level, and it comes in iconic red & white or cool aqua.

Two even better medicine cabinets follow, so read more

Hurricane season is in full force, and here in California, there's always the chance of an earthquake. Even if you don't live in storm or quake country — but especially if you do — you should have an emergency preparedness kit stashed away.

The American Red Cross recommends having enough food and water on hand to support every member of your household for at least three days. They've also got a great list of other must-haves you may not have thought of, including bleach and a non-electric can opener. Tune in tomorrow, when I'll feature some ready-made kits you can buy. Until now, here's a checklist of everything you should have on hand.

• Water. The Red Cross recommends one gallon per day per person, including pets. If you don't have any stored, why not make a habit of picking up a gallon or two every time you go to the supermarket?
• Food. Concentrate on ready-to-eat canned fruits, veggies, juice, and meat, as well as protein-rich snacks like trail mix and granola bars. Don't forget vitamins and special supplies for any elderly family members, babies, and pets.
• A first-aid kit with Band-Aids, latex gloves, gauze pads, a thermometer, over-the-counter drugs, and necessary prescription medications.

For the other essentials, read more