Bridgeport braces for the storm

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- Folks all across the state are batting down the hatches as the storm approaches.

In Bridgeport, people say they learned what not to do from Hurricane Irene. This time they're preparing for the worst.

Irene's flood was hard to forget, especially for Bridgeport residents who evacuated.

"I came around and got my mom, got her to a safe spot, my dad stayed behind to make sure everything would be ok," said Robert Delgado.

Now the coast braces for Sandy.

"Either way we are going to receive something," said Scott Appleby, Bridgeport Director or Emergency Management, "what that is is still unclear."

Appleby joined the Mayor and public safety leaders at the city's Emergency Operations Center. They say looking at the worst scenario path, buckle down for wind and water.

"We're looking at the tidal surge being tremendous and that's why the coastal flooding is a real threat even if this storm stays off shore," said Bill Jacquemin, CT weather meteorologist.

If Sandy shows her strength, they say that would put out mandatory evacuations 24 to 48 hours in advance, and they urge folks to have an emergency disaster kit.

"The most important items that you find essential to yourself," said Appleby, "documents, medication, and extra money; all should be in your kit."

They say if they learned anything from Irene, it's that people did not heed the early warnings.

"We can replace property, we can not replace lives, and that's why it's so important to start preparing now," said Appleby.

The Delgado family is. They know on the heels of Halloween, mother nature can be witchy.

"She can be really wicked when she wants to be to teach us a lesson right," asked Stephanie Simoni.

"Show us who's in charge here," said Delgado.