Staff at Nyack Hospital were busy today preparing for Hurricane Irene's visit over the weekend.

Officials say they have learned their lesson from a storm in June that dumped 4 inches of rain in less than an hour, severely damaging the hospital's kitchen.

Employees stated that they stocked up on bottled water, food and additional medical supplies for up to five or six days. Multiple meetings were held to discuss the hospital's comprehensive emergency management plan and precautions that are being taken to protect the staff and patients.

While they do not expect any water to come inside the hospital, entrances to critical areas, such as the electrical room and data centers, have been sandbagged just in case.

Officials say staff members will be working their regular shifts. Employees who do not want to be on the roads during the storm will be allowed to stay in the outpatient units.