Local Residents Preparing For Irene's Arrival

From a , to a The atmosphere in our area has given us quite a week. is on the way. How strong will it be? Weaker than expected?

Residents in our area are taking no chances. They're hitting the stores in advance of Irene's arrival, expected late Saturday into Sunday. The common theme: better safe than sorry.

"You never know, I mean it could be a lot of hype, but I'm grabbing what I can, in case I'm stuck inside for a couple days," said Steve Cristoforo of Deer Park after picking up groceries at .

Of course, it's important to keep the fridge well stocked, though it doesn't make much difference if the power's out. That's where Ace Hardware on Deer Park Avenue comes in, and they've seen an uptick in business as the storm approaches.

"Flashlights, batteries, generators," said Ace manager Joseph Schiano, when asked what most people are rushing to get.

Another item to keep in mind: chainsaws. You've got to do something about all those downed trees, after all.

"I do have them, they'll probably need them after the storm more than anything," Schiano said.

People don't seem to be panicking, but if history is any indication, there will be a lot of last-minute shopping. That's why some folks are getting it out of the way while the skies are clear.

"A lot of people, I just know they're going to head out late Saturday ... like when the first [rain]drops fall," said Ronni Hattem of Wyandanch.

Hattem said she's stocking up on bottled water and snacks, but jokes she already has 'more than enough toilet paper, we'd be fine for three Irenes!'

One man remembers Hurricane Gloria back in 1985, and what mess his neighborhood was afterwards. He says he plans to do what he did then: stay indoors.

"I remember my street full of branches and even a live wire," said Gerald Capaccio from Huntington. "I'm staying right where I am, nothing much to do after a storm anyway."

Except a little cleaning up, perhaps.