FEMA staging team set for Westover

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Hurricane Sandy's track could still change at any moment, but most of the forecast models are now predicting that the slowly moving system will make landfall somewhere in southern New Jersey.

In preparations for any outcome, FEMA’s staging team came to Chicopee Saturday.

Beginning Sunday evening through Monday morning, 77 tractor-trailers carrying meals, cots, bottled water, generators and other emergency supplies will arrive at the Westover Air Force Base.

This isn't the first time the base is used as a staging area for all of New England.

Last year, FEMA set up to prepare for Hurricane Irene, and the year before that, for Hurricane Earl, right here in Chicopee.

Westover was chosen because of its size, location and support network.

There is an emergency plan that's been in place for eight years for situations like this.

FEMA's staging team will be ready to go anywhere in New England should the needs arise.

On their website, FEMA officials say they are keeping a close eye on Sandy because even though it is a tropical storm right now, it is expected to gain hurricane strength just before it makes landfall.

There are different steps you can take at home to prepare as well.

What they are bringing here - bottled water, generators and food. You may want to have those items ready just in case you lose power.

For the latest on Sandy’s path, check out our Tropical Tracker tool.