A Well-Stocked First Aid Kit

The above headline happens to be a copyrighted term used by the Red Cross and all most every medical organization on the face of the planet in reference to self care. However first aid is no substitute for emergency or ER care. We thought the answer to the question of what is a "well-stocked" first aid kit that every home should have would be found at the Red Cross because it was a non-profit organization. Until we discovered that the organization sells first aid kits. While a great source of information we're hesitant to purchase items from the source of information. That's just us we're a little suspicious and uncomfortable with the Red Cross based on prior parental history.

Our relatives were in the military and told stories of having to buy items from the Red Cross that were given freely by the Salvation Army. The charity's recent scandals concerning corporate salaries and excesses in 2007 in the wake of budget cuts and cutbacks.

While the Red Cross is only a three (3) star rated agency the Salvation Army is exempt from filing and ratings because it's a religious organization which puts SA at an advantage over the Red Cross. We can make comments about the RC without having to submit our familiar favorite to the same test. This we admit is inherently unfair. We concede the point however, until the hairs on the backs of our neck settle down we will seek alternative forms of contributions. For instance in the case of Haiti we'd recommend the higher rated charity: AmeriCares, spammy yes but consistently correct as well.

Some of the highest rated charities to Haiti include: MedShare International for Health Care and Supplies; Haitian Health Foundation which works to improve the health and well being of the poor, sick, and the infirm of the greater Jérémie area of Haiti; ActionAid International USA in 49 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America, by providing relief from disasters; and Hope for Haiti Children's Center; Data Source Charity Navigator.

While the metropolitan area is relatively earthquake, tornado and hurricane free storms floods and high winds can and do affect our area. Our favorite source for first aid information and what's needed in a "well-stocked" first aid kit can be located from the San Francisco, Department of Emergency Management.

In the District of Columbia their Emergency Management Department list eighteen (18) major hazards. Which included the number three (3) cause of death in the city but with no suggestions for hazard. While the current alert is moderate there is no suggestion for explosions (manhole covers), critical resource shortages, human viruses and epidemics, prison problems, terrorism or urban crime.

D.C. Fire Spokesman Pete Piringer says streets were closed due to concerns of an explosion. "Manholes have a potential for explosion. There can be a build up of pressure and gas, so certainly we wanted to err on the side of precaution."

Maryland sends you to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Plan or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Virginia even has a suggestion for what you'd need in an Emergency Preparedness Kit. God forbid that we'd ever need to use their suggestions - but the next time you hear, read or see something tragic don't just feel bad prepare your car, family and or home. Make many copies and include the information in multiple locations but keep it secure.