| National hurricane preparedness week is May 25-31. For further information visit http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/
The Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management has issued the following tips:
May 22, 2014 -- Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30. The Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management would like to make sure that you have the right information to prepare for the threat of a hurricane, or any other potentially dangerous storm. National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 25 to 31.
“As we have all learned, even the outer bands of a Hurricane can cause significant damage through fierce winds and rain, and sometimes areas not normally prone to flooding can be affected,” said Freeholder H. James Polos, Chair of the County’s Public Safety and Health Committee. “The Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management is doing everything it can to prepare and keep our residents safe. We continually train our staff and volunteers and provide the most up-to-date equipment to ensure we can plan and respond effectively.”
“Middlesex County is committed to coordinating response activities and assistance in the County by working with our municipal, state and federal partners to prepare for, mitigate and respond to potentially harmful situations, such as hurricanes,” said Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. “We also recognize that informing our residents is one of the most effective tools we have. In providing the following tips, it is our hope that we can help our residents safeguard themselves, their loved ones and their property.”
Before the storm:
• Plan an evacuation route. Be ready to travel 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place.
• Create a family communication plan:
• Pick two places to meet your family should you become separated.
1. Right outside your home in case you must leave your house quickly.
2. Outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.
• Ask an out-of-state friend to be your “family contact.” After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distance. If your family members get separated, they should call this person to tell them where they are. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.
• Have family disaster supplies on hand and sealed in a water-tight container if possible:
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Non-perishable food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Baby or infant supplies (if applicable)
• Pet food and supplies
• Essential medicines (3 days’ worth as a minimum)
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes and raincoats
• Change of clothes, toiletries
• Make arrangements for pets. Pets may not be allowed into emergency
shelters. Contact your local municipality for local animal shelters.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools, plus
anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
• Trim back dead or weak branches from trees.
Hurricane Watches and Warnings:
Hurricane Warning:
An announcement that sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph or 119 km/hr) or higher are expected somewhere within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.
Hurricane Watch:
An announcement that sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph or 119 km/hr) or higher are possible within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.
For further information please contact the Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management at (732) 316-7100 or your Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator. You can obtain additional information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov or www.state.nj.us/njoem/ |
