Hurricane Preparations

10/26/2012 (Updated 11:22:28 PM)

Politics, the economy, fracking, and jobs, put all that aside this evening, because for many Southern Tier residents, the big issue is how much of a storm will be coming our way.

Mick is about to join us with the latest but first, Tom Allen tells us about preparations Broome County officials have been making as Hurricane Sandy moves up the east coast.

Hurricane Sandy is churning in the Atlantic Ocean and has already cut a path of destruction through the Carribean, killing at least 40 people.  Weather experts say although its still too early to tell what path it will take, but the Southern Tier will see some of its remnants.

"The two main threats for our area.  Again this could change a little bit because were still a few days out, but the 2 primary threats are heavy rain and strong winds, the potential for some flooding and potential for power outages." said Erik Heden, Meteorologist for the National Weather Service

Erik Heden is a Meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Binghamton and says they will be tracking Sandy's path closely over the weekend.

Meanwhile the County isn't taking any chances. At a press briefing Friday, Executive Debbie Preston said she doesn't want to scare people, but she does want residents to have a plan in place. 
She says they've been conferring with the National Weather Service as well as with NYSEG and are working out the details on bottled water and dry ice distribution centers should they be needed.

"All county DPW crews and emergency personnel are on standby and we will activate our Emergency Operations Center if and when it becomes necessary." said Broome County Executive Debbie Preston.

The Director of Emergency Services say residents need to stay informed.

"Have a plan for your family and pets.  If you were leaving the house or evacuating always bring your pets with you.  Have a plan for your medications, have enough for 72 hours worth of provisioning so you can sustain yourself whether in the house without power or whether you need to leave.  Have a to go kit with all these things and have an idea where you're going to go." said Brett Chellis, Director of Broome County Emergency Services.

The County Executive says they will hold more briefings over the  weekend as the storm's direction becomes more clear-cut.

Tom Allen, Fox 40 news