A home is more than just a building, it’s a place that is enjoyable, where you feel happy and safe. Though being protected from injury or danger should be the watchword of every home but still, accidents and unexpected events happens, and getting prepared is just as important as keeping the home safe.

Here are some items that every home should possess as a form unexpected event preparedness.

• THERMOMETER

It is an instrument used in measuring temperature and it is of different types with the digital type being the commonest. The hand can’t determine the body temperature as it cannot state the exact degree which is an indicator of when to give first aid. A thermometer is used when fever is suspected which is also one of signs of several illnesses, persistent fever especially after giving first aid (paracetamol of age-appropriate dose and tepid sponge) should not be overlooked and should be reported to the hospital immediately.

TYPES OF THERMOMETER AND HOW TO USE IT

Digital thermometer: this type could be placed in the mouth (oral), underarm (axillary), bottom (rectum). Cleaning of this type of thermometer before and after use is important due to contact with the skin. It can be cleaned with cotton wool and methylated spirit.

Temporal artery thermometer: it uses infrared scanner to measure the temperature, by placing it just in front of the forehead without necessary skin contact.

Both thermometers beep after use and the degree of the temperature shows on the screen of the thermometer. They are affordable and can be gotten from standard pharmacies and some variety stores.

• ORS

Oral Rehydrating Salt when added to water is called ORT Oral Rehydrating Therapy/Treatment. It is a form of fluid replacement especially during diarrhea or vomiting. It is prepared by diluting a sachet of ORS into a litre of clean water which is given in small quantity at regular intervals continuously. When diarrhea occurs stopping it is not as important as replacing the lost fluids because, not replacing the fluids could lead to dehydration and eventually lead to death if immediate intervention is not sought.

YES, STOOLING CAN KILL!

It is better to have a sachet add home to avoid inappropriate measurement, it is affordable and can be gotten from pharmacy stores, some manufacturers even add flavour to make it taste more palatable. Ensure the ORS is diluted with clean water.

NOTE: If you are using the big eva bottle water, reduce the water to the first line mark on the bottle to get the 1 litre measurement.

• FIRST AID BOX

Burns, falls, cut, strain and other injuries are unplanned events which require emergency treatment to reduce its severity which is where being prepared by owing a first aid box could go a long way positively. It’s not compulsory it should be the original first aid box as that could be quite expensive, getting a carton or plastic and putting the first aid kits in it as a form of improvised box. FIRST AID label should be tapped by the side or top for easy identification and should be placed where it will be easily accessible.

BASIC FIRST AID BOX CONTENTS

Clean bandages

Pain relief

Plaster

Cotton wool

Methylated spirit

Hand gloves

Balm

Scissors

All these items can be gotten from pharmacy stores near you.

NOTE: Always put on gloves before giving first aid to reduce the risk of infecting the site of the wound.