Massapequa Residents Prepare for Irene

This week's didn't exactly make people change their daily routine. This weekend's hurricane ... that's a different story.

Hurricane  is expected to touch down in our area late Saturday, and Massapequa is getting ready its arrival.

"It may not be [bad] but on the other hand, you don't know, because we lucked out a couple of times," said Massapequa resident Pat Maiorino. "You don't know what could happen so it's better to be prepared."

Hurricane equals hardware, as in folks rushing out to area stores to stock up on storm supplies. on Merrick Road is a popular destination, as the store saw business pick up on a Thursday afternoon.

"People are coming in, looking for batteries, lights, flashlights, lanterns, candles," said Ace assistant manager Al Littmann. "Anything that's going to help them with a power outage, we've gotten a pretty big call for generators.

Littman says chainsaws are also popular, as residents brace for the possibility of downed trees and branches on their property.

"The agenda is to remove all the plants outside that are on railings and put them under the deck and to do any shopping necessary we might need in case we're locked in for a few days," Maiorino said.

Those living near the water may want to plan ahead. Gene lives near the bay in Massapequa, and is busy tying up boats. He says his neighbors are talking about evacuating should the storm be a category IV or V, and that officials generally warn residents to do just that.

"The water comes up to the front steps, so if they're talking about a ten foot surge, that's where it will come," Gene said.

Al Littmann says above all else, don't panic, and be safe.

"There's [supplies] out there [for everyone] ... [people should] get their flashlight, if they need a generator, make sure they use it outside, not inside, and be careful," he said.