Officials say Area is Prepared BUFFALO (wned) - The looming threat along the East Coast from Hurricane Hanna and the recent strike of Hurricane Gustav along the Gulf Coast are reminders of "the need to always be on-guard" according to Erie County Executive Chris Collins.

He joined Mayor Byron Brown on the steps of City Hall Friday to mark the start of National Preparedness Month.

Collins says he wants residents to know that the County and the City of Buffalo are ready for anything that Mother Nature throws our way.

"We don't what's going to come at us, we don't when it's going to come at us...we are always standing on guard," Collins said.

Mayor Brown says the collaborative effort between the City and County is stronger than ever.

Brown says both governments learned a lot during the October 2006 surprise storm.

Residents can also get involved. The American Red Cross of Greater Buffalo will be offering "Community Preparedness Trainings" throughought the month across Erie and Niagara Counties. © Copyright 2009, wned