Buffalo prepares for Sandy's arrival

BUFFALO, N.Y (WIVB) - The old adage tells us we're "better safe than sorry." And that seems to be the prevailing sentiment, as Western New Yorkers prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy.

"We are all going to receive some impact from this storm; to what degree, we really don't know yet. So we really should prepare for the worst," advised Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy, during a visit to Buffalo Sunday.

All weekend, the Home Depot on Elmwood Avenue has been re-stocking "Sandy" essentials.

Customers were shopping with memories of the October Surprise Storm in mind.

One woman recalled, "I'll never forget driving down the streets, and the trees; it was like the horrible ending of the world or something. It was terrible, our trees were so devastated."

News 4's Rachel Kingston caught up with Home Depot's Assistant Store Manager Ron Lewis who said, "They're afraid of being in the dark. They're buying batteries, flashlights of every size, every kind. They're concerned about being warm. We have a few products over here for propane-type heaters. We have everything they need."

Authorities also learned from that storm what they need to do to be prepared.

"Crews are clearing as much debris as possible that could be picked up by storm water and cause damage, create a hazard or clog roadways and bridges," said State D.O.T. Acting Regional Director Darrell Kaminski.

The City of Buffalo is asking residents to move items out of flood-prone basements and rake leaves out of sewer grates.

Every department is on standby. Mayor Byron Brown noted, "The Public Works Department, Fire Department, Police Department, the Division of Citizen Services with 311 and our Sewer Authority will all be mobilized."

Erie County's Emergency Operations Center is preparing to go fully active, starting Monday. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says in regards to the storm, "We cannot be complacent. We cannot be apathetic. A storm like this may not seem like it's going to be a big thing, but then, it could be."

Here are a few storm safety tips from NYSEG:

- Don't go near downed power lines, even if you think they're dead.

- If your basement floods, stay upstairs and call to have your electricity and gas shut off.

- Never run an emergency generator in your house or garage.