It is still too early to determine what impact now Hurricane Sandy will have on the Southern Tier of New York, but officials at the American Red Cross say that you should take action now to prepare for the storm.  They are strongly urging residents not to take Sandy for granted.  Being prepared now could save your life.

One way that local residents can help is by donating blood.  The Red Cross say that the impending storm will most likely prevent people from donating over the next few days.  They are urging people to help out now before the weather turns bad.

Local residents can donate blood this weekend, both Saturday and Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Johnson City Blood Donation Center on Harry L. Drive.

The Red Cross has also begun to mobilize to areas where the weather experts say Hurricane Sandy could be a threat and have over 100 emergency vehicles on standby.  Officials say that they are working closely with state and local officials to coordinate response efforts.

At home, residents are urged to put together an emergency preparedness plan.  Stock up on water, non-perishable food, and batteries.  You can read the entire Red Cross Preparedness Plan by CLICKING HERE.

For those with smart phones, the Red Cross has a Hurricane App that provides real-time details of the storm as well as where residents can find shelters in their area.

Download the Apple iPhone App HERE
Download the Android App HERE

More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM