As Hurricane Irene gains strength on it's way to the East Coast, the American Red Cross is preparing for the worst.

"It's what we consider mass care, which is really sheltering and feeding people. All volunteers, even if they have a specialty, they've all been trained to do that," said Maureen Perkins with the Red Cross.

Forecasters say it could be the biggest storm to hit the eastern sea board in 70 years.  Right now, more than 200 red cross mobile feeding vehicles are on the way to places like Long Island and the North Carolina Coast which are expected to take direct hits. Here in Central New York, local volunteers are standing by to assist those downstate.

And if the storm takes a turn for us, trailers are stocked with supplies to immediately open a shelter. Emergency officials are also urging you to have a plan in case disaster strikes.  The Red Cross has tips with what you should do.  If winds pick up you should stay indoors, close up your doors and windows (board them up if you can) and bring in anything from outside that could be picked up by a gust of wind.  Also, turn up your refrigerator and freezer to keep food cold in case your power goes out and have enough food and water in the house to last a few days.

The Red Cross relies on donations from the public to keep it's programs going. Nationwide, it spends $45-million in disaster relief. "Because this storm is so big, its really important that people help us by making contributions so we have the money to do what we need to do," said Perkins.

For more information on how to donate, click here.

Are you keeping an eye on the storm as it approaches the East Coast?  Do you have an emergency plan in place?