How To Prepare For Irene

Hurricane Irene is currently hitting the Bahamas and has the U.S. in its sights, according to The Weather Channel.

The Category 3 hurricane (on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale) is estimated to make its way to the East Coast Saturday or Sunday, possibly having a devastating impact on New Jersey and the surrounding areas.

"It now appears Irene may hug the coastline potentially making a landfall not too far east of New York City Sunday evening," said Dale Eck, director of global forecast center for the Weather Channel.

"This new track means more people could have catastrophic impacts from Irene in the Northeast beginning Saturday night in southern Virginia and lasting into Monday in New England."

The possible impact of Hurricane Irene includes widespread trees downed and power outages.

Don Harris, Emergency Management Coordinator for the Newtown Emergency Services Department, said there are several things residents should do to prepare for the storm.

"We encourage residents to secure all lawn furniture and other outdoor items that are not permanently secured," Harris said, adding residents with a storm sewer inlet in front of their property should make sure that it is clear of all debris for proper drainage. 

"Also, stock up on non-perishable food in the event of an extended power outage and have a battery-operated radio available for local weather advisories along with non-rechargeable batteries, drinking water, medications and other necessary supplies," he said. 

"If you have not been evacuated and conditions begin to rapidly deteriorate, stay in the center of your home away from windows and doors due to injuries from broken glass," Harris said. 

If evacuation is required, Harris said all property owners will be notified through the PA Ready Notify System, Local Government Television Channel 22 and local radio stations.  Evacuation routes and  shelter locations will also be offered.  

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding -- like along the Neshaminy Creek -- you may want to consider moving all belongings the to upper level of your home, Harris said.

for the damage Irene may inflict upon our area this weekend, according to a news release. The utility company issued some tips on how to prepare for the storm:

• Keep PECO's emergency telephone number (1-800-841-4141) handy                     
• Have a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home                     
• Have a battery powered clock and radio available 

It is suggested that anyone in the corridor from eastern North Carolina to the Northeast U.S. should be preparing for a hurricane.

Since there is still time to prepare, the Red Cross suggests having an emergency kit ready. Have bottled water on hand—one gallon per person, per day—and non-perishable food. Candles, matches, flashlights, extra batteries and a battery powered radio should be readily available.

If you have children or pets, the Red Cross suggests having bottles, formula, baby food and diapers ready, as well as your pet's leash, ID, food, carrier and water bowl.

For a full list of emergency preparedness tips, visit the Red Cross website, or view the PDF in the photo section of this article.

And Follow Hurricane Irene's path with the National Weather Service's map.