Review our list of items every family should have, and then upgrade your supplies. “Check expiration dates regularly,” says Mary Jo Welker, M.D., chair of the department of family medicine at Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health. “Get rid of expired prescription drugs, and replace over-the-counter ones. And keep all medicines — prescription or not — out of reach of children.

• Hydrocortisone cream (1%) for itchy skin conditions such as mosquito bites
• Gauze bandages for abrasions
• Ibuprofen,acetaminophen or naproxen — adults’ and children’s versions
• Decongestant — adults’ and children’s versions
• Syrup of ipecac (use only if instructed by the poison control center or a doctor). Keep a 1-oz. bottle for each child under age 5.
• Elastic bandage for wrapping wrist, ankle, knee and elbow injuries
• Adhesive tape
• Tweezers
• Adhesive bandages
• Cough syrup
• Upset stomach and diarrhea medicine
• Thermometer
• Antihistamine (if anyone has allergies)
• List of emergency phone numbers: poison control center, doctors, emergency services, a friend or neighbor and the pharmacy
• Calamine lotion for poison ivy
• Instant ice packs
• Triple antibiotic cream for cuts and scrapes
• Antiseptic solution, such as hydrogen peroxide
• Cotton balls
• Corn syrup (already in your kitchen cabinet) works as an expectorant for children ages 1 to 4.
• Nail polish remover is handy for removing adhesive tape from the skin.
• Contact lens saline solution works as a sterile eyewash