HARRISBURG - State Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) is urging residents and municipalities in his Senatorial District to prepare for the possibility of strong winds, heavy rain and even snow as Hurricane Sandy approaches Pennsylvania.

According to a statement distributed by Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Glenn Cannon, "This storm could combine with another system to bring some combination of snow, wind, rain and flooding to much of Pennsylvania," Cannon said. "This is the time to make sure everyone has an emergency kit in their home and car, and an emergency plan for taking care of each other in the event this storm brings its full destructive potential to our state."

"I would like to reiterate what Director Cannon has explained and I encourage every county, municipality, family and resident to plan and prepare accordingly as the storm approaches," Yaw said. "Those that are prepared in advance with the correct supplies will inevitably be in a better position to deal with the weather conditions."

Yaw also urged motorists to use extreme caution when traveling along Pennsylvania's roadways. "If at all possible, stay off the road," Yaw added.

PEMA encourages all residents to have enough provisions in their homes to last at least 72 hours because help from emergency responders may not be immediately available when severe weather strikes.

Other disaster preparedness supplies to have at the ready include:

- Flashlights and extra batteries;

- Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries;

- First aid kit and manual;

- Emergency food and water;

- Non-electric can opener;

- Essential medicines/prescriptions;

- Cash, credit cards and important legal documents; and

- Sturdy shoes.

If residents are ordered by local officials to evacuate, they should do so without hesitating and should take important documents with them, including:

- Checkbooks;

- Driver's license;

- Credit card information;

- Birth certificates;

- Social Security cards; and

- Other forms and documents proving ownership/identity.

For more information on how to make a disaster supply kit and how to prepare for all kinds of emergencies, visit www.readypa.org or call 1-(888)-9-READYPA (1-(888)-973-2397).

Submitted article.