Western MA residents preparing for Hurricane Sandy

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Grocery stores and gas stations have been busy this weekend.

For many residents in Western Massachusetts any threat of a storm brings back memories of last year's October snowstorm when thousands of people lost power for more than a week.

That's why many residents have been out and about this weekend buying non-perishable food items and filling up their gas tanks.

Experts say that's actually a good move because it's always better to be well prepared than not prepared at all.
In fact, refineries along the East Coast are getting ready as well.

There are six refineries that produce more than one million barrels of oil per day and Sandy could potentially disrupt their production.

Jim Wiggs, the Westfield Emergency Management Director, says filling up your tank should be part of your check list as you get ready.

"Make sure your car is full of gas if you need to go somewhere," he told 22News. "Basically you get some flashlights handy, and if you use a generator, make sure that it's well away from the house and ventilated so that it doesn't cause any problems inside your house."

Oil and gas prices are vulnerable to a sudden spike.
A few weeks ago when the prices shot up to close to $4 per gallon, that was because Hurricane Isaac hit the Gulf region and disrupted production.