Mom's or Dad's Emergency Kit

Think back on all the times you were out and about and wished you had a BandAid, scissors, flashlight, hand lotion, sun screen, ice pack or other necessities that are needed only in emergencies. If you invest a little time up front arming your purse (or car for that matter) with emergency supplies, you will not only save time and avert disasters, you might become someones hero! I remember when I was at softball practice and one of the ladies got hit in the nose with the ball. I quickly ran to the car, opened my emergency supply kit, got a travel ice pack out, ran back to the field and held it on her nose. Her nose turned purple before everyone's eyes, so she was wisked away to the hospital. The point is, how often have you thought to yourself that if you only had this or that, what a big help it would be? Another time, I was at the park with my 3 children when my youngest screamed out in pain. She had stepped on a bee with her bare foot. Again, I ran to the car, got out the bee sting kit and took care of it.

All too often, we aren't willing to invest time in what matters most. It's so hard to see what isn't in front of us at a given time. Start a list at the beginning of the week writing down everything you can think of that would make your life a little easier or that you have needed in the past and haven't had on hand. Then, set aside a day to do a complete shopping trip. Stock up on everything you wrote on your list. When you get home, make up a car box that always stays in the car and a purse kit to have with you at all times.

Get a tote bag for your emergency kit. My Hurricane Center Tote Bag

Here's a partial list to get you started:

FOR YOUR CAR BOX

• Band Aides

• Pocket size sewing kit

• Nail file

• Retractable razor

• Sun screen

• Antihisthamines/Benedryl (for insect bites and stings)

• Neosporin

• Cough drops

• Ibuprofen

• Tylenol

• Pepto-bismol

• First aid cream

• Cotton balls

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Safety pins

• Ice packs (you break them and they become cold)

• Glue

• Tape

• Pliers

• Screwdrivers (flat head & phillips head)

• Jumper cables

• Flashlight

• Napkins

• Plastic trashbags

• Eating utensils (just a few)

• Paper cups

• Small water bottle

• Lip balm

FOR YOUR PURSE - (All of these items come in sample size packets)

• Mini sewing kit

• Band Aides

• Antihisthamines/Benedryl (for insect bites and stings)

• Neosporin (the drug stores have small pocket sized packs)

• Tissue

• Cough drops

• Ibuprofen

• Tylenol

• Pepto-bismol

• Safety pins

• Lip balm

• Nail file

• Small flashlight

• Small sturdy pair of scissors

• Pocket knife

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About the Author

Susie Glennan has been happily married since 1982, is mom to 3 teenagers, and is a Home Maker, Nurturer, Teacher, Author, Professional Speaker, Toastmaster, President of The Busy Woman, Inc., DBA - The Busy Woman's Daily PlannerŪ. She teaches time management seminars, offers free consultations with your order, and will help you set up a schedule that's right for you. 800-848-7715 ­ www.thebusywoman.com