By Karen DeWitt
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-983513.mp3
Albany, NY – New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has declared a State of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane Irene, which could hit the state as early as the weekend. Karen DeWitt reports.
Governor Cuomo says he's declared a state of emergency in the face of potential impact from Irene, and has ordered all state agencies to be prepared for any situation. He says the state's emergency management center outside Albany will be operating 24 hours a day.
The governor is urging New Yorkers to stock up on emergency supplies including water, non perishable food, batteries, and battery operated radios, pet food and first aid kits. And he says people should check in with elderly or disabled neighbors to make sure they are all right, if the storm, as predicted turns out to be severe.
Cuomo canceled a fundraiser scheduled for Thursday night and a planned vacation in the Adirondacks to return to the Capitol to prepare for the storm.