The 10 most important items to have in your first-aid kit, according to the American Red Cross.

Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.

Sterile gauze pads in various sizes and cloth adhesive tape to secure them.

Latex-free disposable gloves, to protect you from bodily fluids or other matter. Latex-free material prevents potential allergic reactions.

Tweezers.

Thermometer (the digital variety is safest).

Triple-antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin).

Antiseptic wipes.

First-aid instructions.

Topical antihistamines and aspirin (or some other type of over-the-counter pain reliever recommended by your doctor).

A face mask to protect you from germs or bodily fluids when administering CPR.

You can also buy first-aid kits through the American Red Cross website, www.redcrossstore.org. Your first-aid kit should include a sheet listing your family’s known medical conditions, emergency contact numbers, and insurance information for hospitals and emergency medical services.

Printable Chart of First-Aid Procedures

The sooner you treat minor mishaps, the less likely they are to become major ones. To help you take the right action right away, we've created a list of everyday injuries, along with instructions for what to do, what not to do, and when to call in the professionals. Print it out and post it on your refrigerator or keep it in your first-aid kit.