By Tony Romeo

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) — Governor Tom Corbett has declared a disaster emergency as a potential super storm approaches.

A spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency says PEMA is in communication with other state agencies today, to make sure personnel are ready as storm preparations ramp up with the approach of Hurricane Sandy.

Spokeswoman Ruth Miller said PEMA was telling other state agencies today to draw on their experience from last year’s storms to prepare for what some are saying could be an unprecedented weather event.

“I wouldn’t say we’re preparing for something worse, but it looks like this storm perhaps will be more widespread,” she said.  “This time, a larger portion of the state could be impacted, and that will obviously change the way we respond.”

PEMA is urging Pennsylvania residents to take the weekend to prepare for at least three days in their homes without power or outside assistance.  That includes a gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable foods, a first aid kit, and medications.

She also says you might want to take inside Halloween or autumn decorations, and any outdoor furnishings that could become projectiles in high wind.

For more tips on storm preparations, go to readypa.org.

Emergency phone numbers and contact info