Prep

First aid kit checklist

What to keep in a home first aid kit, with quantities. Check off what you have, then print the list of what's missing. Nothing leaves this browser.

This is a list of what to keep, not medical advice. It has no doses on purpose: ask your pharmacist or doctor which medicines suit each person. In an emergency, call 911.

Who's it for?

Adults
2
Children
0

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Your first aid kit

Quantities follow the Red Cross list for a family of four where it gives one. For five or more, we double the bandages, pads, wipes and gloves. That's our rule of thumb, not an official figure.

Check it again every 6 months.

Bandages and dressings

Cleaning and protection

Tools

Ointments and medicines

We don't give doses. Ask your pharmacist or doctor what suits each person, follow the label, and keep medicines away from children.

From preppantry.app. Checked 2 November 2026. Independent tool, not official advice.

How it works

This list joins the first-aid kit in the Prep app with the American Red Cross list for a family of four, which uses its own sizes and counts. Where the Red Cross gives a quantity, we use it. Where it doesn't, we use the app's.

We left out the Red Cross line for aspirin. Whether it's right for someone depends on their age and health, and this page doesn't give doses. Ask your pharmacist or doctor what to keep for pain.

For five or more people, we double the items that get used up. That's our rule of thumb, not an official figure.

The Red Cross says to keep a kit at home and in your car, add any personal medications and emergency phone numbers, and check expiration dates. Ready.gov lists a first aid kit in its basic supplies and adds pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicine, antacids and laxatives as additional items. FEMA's older Are You Ready? guide has a longer list if you want more.

Common questions

What should be in a first aid kit for a family of four?

The American Red Cross lists 2 compress dressings, 25 assorted adhesive bandages, cloth tape, antibiotic ointment, 5 antiseptic wipes, an emergency blanket, a breathing barrier, a cold compress, 2 pairs of gloves, hydrocortisone ointment, 2 roller bandages, 10 gauze pads, a thermometer, 2 triangular bandages, tweezers and emergency first aid instructions. It also lists low-dose aspirin, which we leave out.

What medicines should I keep in a first aid kit?

That depends on who's at home, so ask your pharmacist or doctor. Ready.gov mentions pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicine, antacids and laxatives as supplies to consider.

Should I keep burn gel in a first aid kit?

It's optional, and it isn't on the Red Cross family list. Cool water comes first. Ask your pharmacist whether it's worth keeping.

How often should I check a first aid kit?

The Red Cross says to check the kit regularly, check expiration dates, and replace anything used or out of date. Twice a year is a good habit.

Where should I keep a first aid kit?

The Red Cross says to keep one in your home and one in your car, and to find out where the kits are at work. Keep any kit with medicines out of children's reach.

Sources

Checked on 2 November 2026. This is an independent tool and not official advice. See sources and method.

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