MONROE COUNTY -- Hurricanes have packed a punch in the Poconos in the past. Nearly three years ago, Sandy knocked out power for more than a week in many areas.
Now some projections show Hurricane Joaquin could follow Sandy’s path.
"What we're expecting here is to be on alert for flash floods as well as power outages, and so we're trying to get the word out to the community to think ahead, to have a plan,” said American Red Cross of the Poconos Executive Director Michele Baehr.
The Red Cross and FEMA have partnered to promote disaster readiness through Preparathon. They’re encouraging everyone to have a "go-bag" with blankets, food, water, batteries and more.
Dwyane Francis of Bushkill just stocked up on canned goods.
"Preparation, preparation is the key. You have to be prepared for everything,” said Francis.
Many people in Marshalls Creek remember just how rough Hurricane Sandy was on everyday life.
“It took me nine hours to get up here and then we had no power, so I went to my mother's who lives in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. She had power,” said Nancy Terleski of East Stroudsburg.
The Red Cross now has a new way to help people in times of disaster through a mobile app that's free to download on your smartphone. It's filled with important information and will send vital alerts.
“You will be able to locate where the nearest shelter is and you can locate all of that through your smartphone now. I think that was a big learning for us,” said Baehr.
PPL is also preparing, checking supplies needed for power restoration and determining what crews can assist from out of state when the storm hits. But many say it’s too early to start worrying just yet.
"No, I haven't really been concerned about it yet, we don't know where it's going to touch down yet just wait and see,” said Mary Rigotti of Bushkill.
