With Hurricane Irene's impact on Southern New England very much up in the air, Sharon Civil Defense Director Michael Polimer says his department is making "preliminary preparations."

Wednesday, Polimer suggested residents listen to AM 1630, Sharon's emergency radio station, for local information.

Polimer also suggested:

• Residents should re-stock portable radio batteries as well as re-fill propane cooking tanks
• Residents should check and fill prescriptions if possible
• Having some ready cash on hand
• Recharge cell phone batteries as late as possible

Irene was headed northwest Wednesday over the southeastern Bahamas and toward Florida, the National Weather Service's National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla. said on its website.

"Hurricane Irene will impact Southern New England to some degree this weekend, but its track and potential hazards remain uncertain," the weather service said.