No stranger to flooding, Quincy preps for Sandy

QUINCY, Mass. (WHDH) -- Flooding fears are on the rise in Quincy, where people who have seen problems with water many times in the past. Residents are getting pro-active to stay dry this time around.

Boats are coming out of the water while homeowners along Quincy’s shoreline look for ways to protect the rest of their property.

“We’re definitely going to remove all of our patio furniture. Unfortunately I'll have to say goodbye to my flowers but I think if that's all I lose we're lucky,” said Cathy Parsons.

Lucky, considering the kind of disastrous storm damage people in Quincy have seen before.

“Quincy is a coastal community subject to flooding so we're taking all precautions,” said Lt. Bob Gillen, Quincy Police Marine Unit.

With 26 miles of coastline to protect, marine police are telling homeowners to prepare well in advance for another big hit around the area.

“Have enough food, water. Prepare for power outages, have medical supplies,” said Lt. Gillen.

“We made sure that we bought a generator so we might be the popular house in the neighborhood if the electricity goes down,” said Parsons.

Those with homes that have been flooded before say there's no need to wait and see if the forecast gets worse; they'll just do their best to keep themselves from becoming victims again.

“We're gonna get sandbags for in front of our garage. That's one of the ways we can help stop the flooding,” said Pauline Fournier, a flood victim.

Emergency officials have an evacuation plan in place if the city on the water finds itself back underwater; a sight people don't want to see again.

“I live right by the water so batten down the hatches and hope for the best,” said one man.

Emergency officials told 7News they have army surplus vehicles if roads become impassable due to major flooding.