HANCOCK, MD - Washington County residents are no stranger to unruly weather.
"The last rain storm it flooded pretty bad. I kind of expect it to be worse this time," says Chris Waddell, a Berkeley Springs resident.
But meteorologists call Hurricane Sandy unprecedented.
"The current forecast projection is showing that we should see some high winds for about 24 to 36 hours, sustained winds about 25 to 35 miles per hour, gusts upwards of 60 miles an hour," says Sam Anderson, Emergency Planner with Washington County Emergency Services.
Emergency Services have been preparing for more than 48 hours.
"We're testing our sump-pumps for pumping basements and businesses, and making sure our chainsaws are sharp in preparation for trees down and wires down. Anything that we can do to assist the general public," says Danny Shirley, Fire Chief with Hancock Volunteer Fire Department.
County officials say to expect minor to moderate flooding and power outages from the wind.
"Working close with Potomac Edison, they've assured us that they've taken some proper steps to have crews staged out of the area to come in right away, and help get power back up as soon as possible," says Anderson.
Locals are standing in long lines at grocery stores, and say it's getting harder to find batteries and flashlights.
"Make sure there's plenty of fuel in the furnace, plenty of batteries, make sure all the flashlights work, a lot of non-refrigerated snack items, stuff like that, in case we're out of power for a few days," says Waddell.
Fire stations say they will provide shelter and necessities to citizens in need reminding us it's not too late to make your last-minute preparations, because it doesn't hurt to be ready for the worst.
Emergency Services remind you to call 9-1-1 immediately if you witness an emergency or hazard.
For more storm preparation and safety tips, check the Washington County Emergency Services' website.
"The last rain storm it flooded pretty bad. I kind of expect it to be worse this time," says Chris Waddell, a Berkeley Springs resident.
But meteorologists call Hurricane Sandy unprecedented.
"The current forecast projection is showing that we should see some high winds for about 24 to 36 hours, sustained winds about 25 to 35 miles per hour, gusts upwards of 60 miles an hour," says Sam Anderson, Emergency Planner with Washington County Emergency Services.
Emergency Services have been preparing for more than 48 hours.
"We're testing our sump-pumps for pumping basements and businesses, and making sure our chainsaws are sharp in preparation for trees down and wires down. Anything that we can do to assist the general public," says Danny Shirley, Fire Chief with Hancock Volunteer Fire Department.
County officials say to expect minor to moderate flooding and power outages from the wind.
"Working close with Potomac Edison, they've assured us that they've taken some proper steps to have crews staged out of the area to come in right away, and help get power back up as soon as possible," says Anderson.
Locals are standing in long lines at grocery stores, and say it's getting harder to find batteries and flashlights.
"Make sure there's plenty of fuel in the furnace, plenty of batteries, make sure all the flashlights work, a lot of non-refrigerated snack items, stuff like that, in case we're out of power for a few days," says Waddell.
Fire stations say they will provide shelter and necessities to citizens in need reminding us it's not too late to make your last-minute preparations, because it doesn't hurt to be ready for the worst.
Emergency Services remind you to call 9-1-1 immediately if you witness an emergency or hazard.
For more storm preparation and safety tips, check the Washington County Emergency Services' website.
