By Pat Loeb

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Whether Sandy scores a direct hit on our area or not, it is forecasted to bring heavy rain, which can be a headache for homeowners.

The most important thing to have in your basement, the experts say, is a sump pump, one with a battery back-up, recommends Bucks County emergency management coordinator John Dougherty.

“A lot of times with storms like we’re anticipating, there’s a power failure and if you have a sump pump and you don’t have power then it doesn’t work and that could make the difference between no water in your basement and a couple inches,” he explains.

Other things that will make a difference are making sure your rain gutters are clean and extending your downspouts well away from your home; at least 10 feet, says Dougherty.

“This would help prevent the water from seeping through the ground and going into your basement,” Dougherty says.

You might also consider flood insurance, in case all else fails.