During my last inventory,I realized that I have three complete first aid kits and two mini kits. I'm spending a fair chunk of change on the kits as the medicines tend to expire before they get used.

I'm giving some serious thought to consolidating the three home kits and storing them, accessible, in the house instead of with the emergency supplies in the garage.

You're thoughts?

We keep 2 FAK's at home. A heavy duty very large kit that includes latex components and a smaller latex free kit. DW has a serious latex injury. We keep burn kits and other FAK components in the house in an easily accessible drawer.

I have had the same problem and trying to reduce the amount. The ones I have:

- One very big one for home, but also when going somewhere with a large group. I'm single, so if i'm not home nobody will miss it.
- Small lightweight on + optional small add on kit.
- Medium size add on for my small lightweight one. (additional equipment and quantity)

- Car kit.

One kit to rule them all:

A large kit in the supply cabinet at home feeding smaller kits in the vehicles, camper, and backpacks.

Purchased a variety of very small zip-lock bags in 1" to 6" inch sizes to facilitate this.

I cut out some small colored squares of paper that fit the little bags where I describe the item inside and list the expiration date.

We just keep supplies in their original packaging in a cabinet, and then built kits and take them with us as we need them. I have a small kit in my day bag, but I don't carry that bag much anymore. That kit moves to my hiking backpack when I hike. And we have another small kit in the car.

BTW: we have regular use for gloves so we buy them 4-6 boxes at a time. We only use vinyl or nitrile gloves
. This is because of the latex allergy in the household. I've found that the vinyl and nitrile gloves are much more durable than latex.

I keep a box of nitrile mechanics gloves for working with chemicals and automotive repair. They last longer then latex, but still don't tolerate heat well enough for car storage.

I'm going to consolidate the the full kits into a single box and store it inside the house with the OTC medications. Thanks for the advice.

One shelf in our storage closet is devoted to medications and medical supplies. I generally keep the largest FAK in my vehicle since it will likely be accessible there after a major earthquake and other likely events. I have smaller kits in various backpacks, down to the three bandaids which ride in my wallet.

I have a large kit with the emergency supplies in the garage, easily accessible from inside the house. A boo-boo kit is in a bathroom. Each car has a small but still pretty comprehensive kit, and I have one more that I carry during outdoors activities.

Trauma kits are kept with the first aid kits but in separate containers (other than the boo-boo kit). Replacing the Combat Gauze when it expires is a painful expense.

Middle Daughter very much enjoys the semi-annual Emergency Supplies Day, where she volunteers to help me go through all the gear and replace anything that's expired.

a Craftsman tool box holds the house kit... a similarly stocked, but slightly smaller one in a plastic dry box in the car... a dedicated trauma kit with my range bag (similarly stocked with what I carry with pistol bag)





EMT shears have replaced the electrician scissors, and NPA added