This undated photo released by the American Red Cross shows...

This undated photo released by the American Red Cross shows an American Red Cross Pet First Aid and Emergency Preparedness Kit with contents. Credit: AP

One of the essentials of storm preparedness is a well-stocked first aid kit. You can buy a pre-assembled first aid kit at the local drugstore. Or you can custom-make your own kit. Your home first aid kit should include personal items such as medications, emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest. Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.

HERE ARE ITEMS RECOMMENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN FIRST AID KITS FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR: 

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One of the essentials of storm preparedness is a well-stocked first aid kit. You can buy a pre-assembled first aid kit at the local drugstore. Or you can custom-make your own kit. Your home first aid kit should include personal items such as medications, emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest. Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.

HERE ARE ITEMS RECOMMENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN FIRST AID KITS FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR: 

--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 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
--First aid instruction booklet
--Tweezers

A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Newsday Staff

'I'm going to try to avoid it' A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.