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First Aid · Home Readiness & Quick Reference

The last piece.
And the one you'll use most.

Food safety during outages, sanitation without running water, and the complete If/Then reference matrix covering every scenario in this guide — organized by category, printable for your kit.

Home readiness Decision matrix

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Food & water safety Sanitation without water If/Then decision matrix Preparedness takeaway

During a power outage

Food safety is mostly
a matter of timing.

A power outage shouldn't be a food safety crisis. The rules are simple, the decisions are clear, and the most important action is usually the most passive one — keep the doors closed.

Refrigerator

4 hours — closed

A closed refrigerator maintains safe temperatures for approximately four hours after power loss. Every time you open the door, you shorten that window.

The rule: If the power has been out for less than four hours and the door has been kept closed, the food is safe.

Discard: any perishable item (meat, dairy, eggs, cooked food, leftovers) that has been above 40°F for more than two hours. When in doubt, throw it out.

Freezer

48 hours full / 24 hours half

A full freezer holds safe temperature for approximately 48 hours with the door closed. A half-full freezer holds safe temperature for about 24 hours. The thermal mass of frozen food is its own insulation.

The thermometer rule: Keep an appliance thermometer in the freezer. When power returns, if it reads 40°F or below, food is safe to refreeze even if it has partially thawed.

Tip: If a significant outage is possible (approaching storm), fill empty freezer space with bags of ice or frozen water bottles. More thermal mass extends the safe window.

Water supply

Rolling boil — 1 full minute

During a boil-water advisory, bring water to a full rolling boil for one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice, or brushing teeth. At elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes.

A rolling boil is vigorous, churning boil — not a simmer and not the first few bubbles. One full minute at that temperature kills biological pathogens.

Boiling does not remove chemical contaminants. If the advisory specifies a chemical contamination event, follow specific guidance from your local water utility.

What to eat first

Prioritize perishables before stored food

When an outage is confirmed, eat perishable items from the refrigerator and freezer first, before turning to canned goods, dry goods, and stored supplies. This maximizes the life of your food stores and reduces waste.

For planned outages — approaching hurricanes, major winter storms — eat down the most perishable items in the days before the event.

The "when in doubt" rule

Throw it out.

You cannot tell if food has reached unsafe temperatures by looking at it, smelling it, or tasting it. Some of the most dangerous foodborne bacteria — Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli — produce no off-odors and cause no visible spoilage at unsafe but not yet overtly rotten stages.

Food poisoning during an emergency compounds an already difficult situation. The cost of discarding questionable food is far less than the cost of illness.

Without running water

Sanitation doesn't require
running water.

A water disruption is an inconvenience, not an emergency, if you've thought through these two approaches in advance. Neither requires specialized supplies that aren't already in most homes.

Short disruptions

Flushing with buckets

If water pressure is lost but the waste system is intact — which is the case in most short-term outages not involving flooding or sewer damage — you can flush a standard toilet by pouring water directly into the bowl.

1

Fill a bucket, large pot, or container with any water — from a stored water supply, rain barrel, neighbor's hose, or purchased water

2

Pour approximately 1–2 gallons directly into the toilet bowl — not the tank — in a quick, steady stream

3

The force of the water triggers the flush mechanism. Solids require more water than liquids.

Important: Do not flush if the sewer or septic system may be compromised — flooding, ground saturation, or a utility-level failure. Flushing into a backed-up or overloaded system causes sanitary backflow. Confirm system integrity first.

Extended disruptions

The two-bucket system

For disruptions lasting more than a day where toilet flushing isn't possible, a simple improvised system keeps the environment sanitary and manages odor effectively. It requires no special plumbing skill and only common supplies.

Supplies needed:

  • Two 5-gallon plastic buckets with lids
  • Heavy-duty contractor trash bags (line the waste bucket)
  • Covering material: cat litter, sawdust, peat moss, or dirt
  • A toilet seat that fits over a bucket (optional but significant comfort improvement)

Setup:

  • Bucket 1: lined with a trash bag — the waste receptacle
  • Bucket 2: contains your covering material
  • After each use, cover waste with a generous layer of covering material — eliminates odor and inhibits flies
  • Replace the trash bag liner regularly and seal completed bags tightly before disposal

Hand hygiene without running water

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) is the most practical hand hygiene option when water is unavailable. It is effective against most pathogens encountered during a disruption.

Keep minimum 1–2 bottles per household in your supply cache. Sanitizer does not replace handwashing for hands visibly soiled with dirt, food, or fecal matter — for those situations, use water from your stored supply for a brief soap-and-rinse wash even if water is limited.

Waste disposal

Sealed waste bags from the two-bucket system can be placed in regular waste receptacles once municipal services resume. During extended disruptions without waste collection: dig a cat hole at least 200 feet from any water source, 6–8 inches deep, and cover completely with soil. This is the same Leave No Trace protocol used for backcountry camping.

Follow any specific guidance from local emergency management regarding waste disposal during declared emergencies.

Quick reference

The complete If/Then
decision matrix.

Every major scenario in this guide in one scannable reference. Print it, laminate it, and store a copy with your first-aid kit. It works without cell service, battery, or internet.

Life-Threatening Emergencies

IF the condition is…
THEN take this action…
Unresponsive, not breathing normally
Call 911. Begin chest compressions immediately. Use AED as soon as it arrives. Continue until help takes over.
Chest pain, pressure, or spreading discomfort
Call 911 immediately. Have the person sit or lie down. Loosen clothing. Follow dispatcher instructions. Be ready to start CPR if condition worsens.
Bleeding spurts or pools rapidly
Apply firm direct pressure with cloth or gauze. Use body weight. Don't lift the dressing. Call 911. Add layers; never remove soaked dressings.
Airway fully blocked — cannot breathe, speak, or cough
Call 911. Give 5 firm back blows, then 5 abdominal thrusts. Alternate until object is dislodged or person loses consciousness. If unconscious, begin CPR.
Face drooping, arm drift, slurred speech (FAST)
Call 911 immediately. Note the exact time symptoms began. Keep person still. Do not give food or water. Recovery position if unconscious and breathing.
Trouble breathing after a sting or allergen exposure
Call 911 immediately. Use epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed and available. Keep person still. A second dose may be needed. Symptoms can return.
Seizure in progress
Time it. Clear hard objects away. Cushion the head. Do not restrain. Do not put anything in the mouth. Call 911 if seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, first seizure, or person doesn't regain consciousness.
Suspected poisoning — collapsed, seizing, or not breathing
Call 911 immediately. Otherwise call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222. Do not make the person vomit unless directed. Identify substance if possible.

Bleeding Control & Wound Care

IF the condition is…
THEN take this action…
Minor cut, bleeding slows with pressure
Wash hands. Rinse wound with clean running water. Clean gently with soap and water. Apply thin ointment. Cover with sterile dressing. Change daily.
Clean, straight cut with gaping edges
Rinse thoroughly. Dry surrounding skin. Apply adhesive wound closure strips across (not along) the cut. Cover with dressing. Monitor for infection. Seek care if deep.
Puncture wound (nail, bite, rusty object)
Wash hands. Rinse wound with clean water for 5–10 minutes. Cover with clean dressing. Seek medical advice and confirm tetanus vaccination status.
Large object embedded in wound
Do not remove the object. Control bleeding around it by pressing on either side. Stabilize with bulky dressings. Seek emergency care immediately.
Wound shows increasing redness, warmth, pus, or red streaks
Red streaks require same-day emergency evaluation. Other infection signs: contact a medical professional. Do not delay if symptoms are worsening or accompanied by fever.

Burns & Electrical Injuries

IF the condition is…
THEN take this action…
Minor burn (small area, red, no blister)
Cool with running water 10–20 minutes. Remove nearby jewelry before swelling. Cover loosely with non-stick dressing. No butter, ice, or ointments on a fresh burn.
Blistering burn
Cool with water. Leave the blister intact — do not pop it. Cover loosely with non-stick dressing. Seek medical advice if large, on face/hands/feet, or showing infection signs.
Large, deep, charred, or white/leathery burn — or burn on face/hands/feet
Call 911. Remove person from danger. Do not remove clothing stuck to the skin. Cover loosely with a clean dry cloth. Do not apply anything to the wound.
Chemical burn on skin
Protect yourself first. Remove contaminated clothing. Flush with large amounts of cool water for at least 20 minutes. Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) or 911.
Electrical injury — any contact with power source
Do not touch the person until the power source is confirmed off. Call 911. Check for breathing. Begin CPR if not breathing. Seek emergency evaluation regardless of visible wound size.

Musculoskeletal Injuries

IF the condition is…
THEN take this action…
Joint is painfully rolled or twisted, able to bear some weight
Rest. Apply cold pack wrapped in cloth for 15–20 minutes. Wrap with elastic bandage (snug, not tight). Elevate above heart level. Seek care if no improvement in 24–48 hours.
Cannot bear weight, deformity visible, or snap heard at time of injury
Suspect fracture. Check CSM (color, sensation, movement) below the injury. Leave it in the position found. Immobilize with a splint above and below the injury. Seek emergency care.
Suspected head, neck, or spine injury
Call 911. Do not move the person unless immediate danger. Hold head in the position found — in-line stabilization. Keep the entire spine aligned. Do not allow twisting.

Head, Dental & Environmental Emergencies

IF the condition is…
THEN take this action…
Head bump causes vomiting, confusion, or unequal pupils
Call 911 or seek emergency care immediately. Do not leave the person alone. Keep them still and calm. These are signs of serious head injury.
Adult tooth is completely knocked out
Pick up by the crown only. Rinse gently with milk if dirty. Reinsert in socket if possible — hold with gauze. Otherwise store in milk or saliva (not water). Rush to a dentist immediately.
Heavy sweating, cool clammy skin, dizziness, nausea
Heat exhaustion. Move to shade or air conditioning. Have person lie down, elevate legs, loosen clothing. Cool with wet cloths. Small sips of water if fully alert. Call 911 if no improvement or confusion develops.
Confusion, hot red skin, stopped sweating, rapid pulse
Heatstroke. Call 911 immediately. Move to shade. Remove clothing. Cool rapidly with cold water, wet cloths, and ice packs at neck, armpits, and groin. Do not give fluids to a confused person.
Shivering, slurred speech, poor coordination (hypothermia)
Move gently to a warm dry place. Remove wet clothing. Wrap in dry insulation. Warm the core first (chest, neck, groin). Warm drinks if alert and able to swallow. Call 911 if confusion or shivering stops.
Headache, nausea, no fever — multiple people and/or pets affected
Suspect carbon monoxide. Get everyone out of the building immediately. Call 911 from outside. Do not re-enter until cleared by emergency services. Seek medical evaluation for everyone exposed.

Bites, Stings & Outdoor Hazards

IF the condition is…
THEN take this action…
Animal bite (dog, cat, wildlife)
Wash thoroughly with soap and running water for several minutes. Control bleeding. Cover with clean dressing. Seek medical advice same day. Report to animal control. Ask about rabies risk and tetanus.
Suspected venomous snakebite
Call 911 immediately. Keep person calm and still. Remove constrictive items before swelling. Keep bitten limb below heart level. Do NOT cut, suck, ice, tourniquet, or apply electric shock.
Tick attached to skin
Use clean fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp close to skin. Pull upward with steady even pressure — do not twist. Clean the site. Watch for rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms in days and weeks after removal.
Bee or wasp sting with breathing difficulty or throat swelling
Call 911 immediately. Use epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed. Position appropriately — upright if breathing is difficult, legs elevated if faint. Symptoms can return after epinephrine.
Skin contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac
Wash exposed skin immediately with degreasing soap and running water. Scrub under fingernails. Wash exposed clothing and gear separately. Never burn these plants — smoke causes severe airway reactions.

Eyes, Breathing & Common Situations

IF the condition is…
THEN take this action…
Foreign object in the eye
Do not rub. Blink several times. Remove contact lenses if easy. Flush with clean water or saline. Seek care if object doesn't clear, pain continues, or vision is affected. Never try to remove an embedded object.
Chemical splash in the eye
Begin flushing with running water immediately — before calling for help. Hold eyelid open. Flush 15–20 minutes minimum. Remove contacts if they come out easily during flushing. Call 911 after flushing.
Nosebleed
Sit upright and lean forward (not backward). Pinch the soft part of the nose firmly. Breathe through the mouth. Hold steady pressure for 10–15 minutes without releasing to check. Seek care if not controlled in 20 minutes.
Person faints or is about to faint
Lower to the floor before they fall. Elevate legs. If already down, check for injury from the fall. Keep lying down for several minutes after recovery. Call 911 if unconscious longer than 1–2 minutes.
Diabetic person appears confused, shaky, or intoxicated
If conscious and able to swallow: give 15–20g fast sugar (4oz juice, glucose tablets, or regular soda). Wait 15 minutes. If not improving or cannot swallow safely: call 911 and do not give anything by mouth.

Water Emergencies & Recovery Position

IF the condition is…
THEN take this action…
Person in water showing drowning signs (vertical, not moving, unresponsive to shouts)
Call 911. Reach with an arm, rope, or object. Throw something buoyant. Wade or use a boat if safe. Enter the water only as last resort — keep something between you and the victim.
Person pulled from water, not breathing
Call 911. Begin CPR immediately — do not delay to drain water. Continue until help arrives or person begins breathing. Cold-water drowning victims may survive after extended submersion: do not stop.
Child or adult "seems fine" after significant submersion
Monitor for 24 hours. Watch for cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, or behavior changes. Seek emergency evaluation the same day if any respiratory symptoms develop.
Person is unconscious but breathing normally
Recovery position: roll gently onto their side, top knee bent as a kickstand, head tilted back to open airway. Monitor breathing continuously. Call 911. Do not use if spinal injury is suspected.

Print this matrix for your first-aid kit

This reference works without a phone, battery, or internet connection. Print it, laminate it if possible, and keep a copy with your first-aid kit and one posted in a visible location at home. The best time to look something up is not during the emergency.

Preparedness takeaway

The best time to learn
is before you need it.

First aid is not only about emergencies. It is about readiness, judgment, and responsibility. A prepared household knows how to clean a wound, cool a burn, recognize heat illness, respond to a severe allergic reaction, remove a tick, and call for help before a situation becomes dangerous.

Know what you have

A stocked first-aid kit at home and in your vehicle. Checked annually. Every household member knows where it is and what's in it.

Know what to do

Reading is the start. Certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association is the next step — hands-on training builds the muscle memory that reading cannot.

Know when to call

Self-reliance doesn't mean doing everything alone. It means knowing what you can handle, what you shouldn't, and when to bring in trained medical help. Call early rather than late.

The prepared household — supply checklist

Stocked first-aid kit — home and vehicle

Latex-free disposable gloves

Sterile dressings and bandages in multiple sizes

Adhesive wound closure strips

Tweezers and scissors

Antiseptic wipes and hand sanitizer

Moleskin and blister pads

Non-stick burn dressings

SAM-style splint and elastic bandages

CPR breathing barrier or face mask

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen

Antihistamine (diphenhydramine or loratadine)

Oral rehydration salts

Space blanket

Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries

Thermometer (digital, non-mercury)

Emergency contact numbers and personal medical information

This printable decision matrix stored with the kit

Current first-aid and CPR/AED certification — renewed every two years

Calm. Capable. No drama.

Self-reliance is the accumulation — over time — of the skills, supplies, and capacities to take care of your household. Emergency preparedness is the floor of that self-reliance: the minimum that gets you through the disruptions that actually happen.

First aid is where that floor begins. You now have the reference. The next step is the training that makes it instinct.

Back to the first aid hub

The complete guide

Twelve pages. Everything covered.
Find what you need.

Kits & Medications

Psychological First Aid & 8-Step Method

Life-Threatening Emergencies

Bleeding Control & Wound Care

Burns & Electrical Injuries

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Head, Dental & Environmental

Bites, Stings & Outdoor Hazards

Eyes, Breathing & Common Situations

Drowning & Water Emergencies

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