You already leave clear home systems instructions for the swappers. Those are your notes about how to use your appliances, find the fuse box, turn off the water in case of a leak.
Exchangers also appreciate the list of restaurant suggestions and "where to find it" directions to the nearest super market, post office, hospital and so on.
Before you leave for your swap you always put out maps, guidebooks and brochures on area attractions. You write the exchangers a welcome note and make sure there is a simple supper for them in the fridge. There is one crucial item that is missing.
It just occurred to me that I don't leave a first aid kit for swappers. And I should. The moment home exchangers walk into my apartment they should find a fully-stocked emergency box.
Here is what the American Red Cross says you need in your first aid kit:
- 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
- 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
- 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
- 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
- 5 antiseptic wipe packets
- 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
- 1 blanket (space blanket)
- 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
- 1 instant cold compress
- 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
- 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
- Scissors
- 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
- 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
- 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
- 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
- Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
- 2 triangular bandages
- Tweezers
- First aid instruction booklet
Honestly, this looks a bit like overkill to me. Do the swappers really need a CPR barrier? If my child needed CPR you can bet I wouldn't be hunting for the first aid kit to see if there was a barrier in there.
The point is, home exchangers should not be hunting for your first aid kit. Leaving at least basic first aid supplies where they will see them the moment they walk into your house could save a life, or at least save your couch from blood stains if someone breaks a wine glass in the living room.
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