When word got out that Hurricane Joaquin could potentially pose a threat to the state, many New Jersey residents flashed back to the devastation of Superstorm Sandy.

Meteorologists now say Joaquin's path looks like it will mostly bypass New Jersey and is headed further east. However, some New Jerseyans say that Sandy taught them not to take any chances and to prepare for the worst.

"We're preparing with a lot of canned foods, plenty of water ... I have a generator," says New Jersey resident Freddy Rivera. "After Sandy, everybody is alert."

In anticipation of the hurricane and a coastal rain storm, Gov. Chris Christie declared a state of emergency. Many local officials began to prepare their public works departments, and New Jersey's power companies brought in extra crews in case of massive damage.

Members of the New Jersey Salvation Army were also preparing for the storm. They were getting everything together they may need to help people if Hurricane Joaquin did make landfall in the state.

"There are folks still recovering from Sandy that are still not in their homes," says Salvation Army Major Edgar George Jr. "The threat of this hurricane coming through again is disturbing."

Although Joaquin looks like it won't be much of an issue, a strong coastal storm is hitting New Jersey with heavy winds and coastal flooding.