The Red Cross is in full prep mode as they gear up for Sandy. Our Brooke Selby has more on the preparations underway.

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ALBANY, N.Y. -- The Red Cross and their volunteers have been working hard preparing for the possibility of Sandy.

“We're making final determinations on where we are going to have shelters in place before the storm and and we are making sure that we have enough human and material resources for after the storm as well," said Tim Bachman, Regional Director of Emergency Services.

One volunteer came all the way from California. She said it's important for her to be here. "The people are in danger of losing everything they have so it's nice to be able to offer a safe place, a comforting ear and some resources," said Ginger Renner, a volunteer.

They continue to encourage people to take the time to prepare for the possibility of flooding, high winds, and power outages by replenishing emergency kits with flashlights, batteries, water, and personal hygiene items.

"If you are coming to a shelter make sure that you bring some of your care items with you, bring some blankets, bring some pillows, if you have medication bring that," suggested Bachman.

While the majority of the focus at the Red Cross is on filling trailers with food and setting up temporary shelters, preparing people who may have been affected by Irene for mental health issues is also equally as important.

Michael Raphael, Red Cross Disaster Response Manager said “Irene definitely affected a lot of people, and people are probably going to be re-traumatized."

The Red Cross is encouraging people not to panic, which they said is perhaps the best advice they can give in the event of a disaster.

“Take care of your family, if you’re feeling that your kids or your partners are getting anxious, to start calming them down and going through the scenario and show them that if they take care of themself, they will be safe," said Raphael.

For more information visit their website, where you can also download their mobile app to find a shelter closest to you.