A Call for New Jersesyans to Prepare for Hurricane Florence
Today, New Jersey Governor Murphy and Colonel Callahan today advised New Jersey residents to plan for the potential impact of Hurricane Florence on the state. The Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the conditions of the hurricane and are working with counties to address any storm related needs, he says.
Colonel Patrick Callahan, State Police Superintendent and the state’s Director of Emergency Management, ice, announced the deployment of 80 members of New Jersey Task Force 1 to assist with the search and rescue operations, including swift-water rescure, as Hurricane Florence moves towards the Carolinas. The highly trained team, comprised of police, fire, and emergency medical personnel, were deployed from its headquarters in Wall Township last night, to be assigned to flooded areas.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
“As Hurricane Florence approaches our shore, we encourage all residents to prepare and take precautions,” said Murphy. “Our first concern is public safety, and we will continue to monitor the storm and make preparations to ensure all residents are safe and secure,” he said.
Colonel Callahan stressed the importance of connecting the public with reliable information sources to further assist them in their individual preparedness plans.
“Events such as Superstorm Sandy have taught us that awareness and preparedness saves lives. We encourage everyone to prepare today,” said Colonel Callahan. “Make time with your family to build a kit, a go-bag and create a communication plan. Tune in, log-on, opt-in, ‘like’ or ‘follow’ state, county, local and federal agencies for credible disaster-related information such as alerts and warnings, situational awareness updates, and where to find help. Personal connections matter, too. After you’ve completed your household preparedness activities, lend a hand to someone who may need assistance, or join the 27,000 New Jerseyans who have completed Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.,” he said.
A list of New Jersey’s County Offices of Emergency Management (NJCOEM) , with social media and local alert system links, can be found on our newly redesigned New Jersey Office of Emergency Management Website: www.ready.nj.gov.
Tips on Preparing for Hurricane Florence
NJCOEM recommends that New Jersey residents make an emergency kit to allow individuals and families survive several days without access to food, water or electricity. These kits should include at least a three to five-day supply of non-perishable food and water, prescription medications for up to two weeks if available, baby supplies, pet supplies and any additional items for special medical needs such as an extra pair of eye glasses and batteries for hearing aids.
Your emergency kit should also include important phone numbers for doctors as well as car cell-phone chargers. While gathering items for your emergency kit, pack a go-bag, such as a duffle bag or gym bag, for your family as well. The go-bag should be easily accessible so you can grab it and go if a fireman or police officer knocks on your door and tells you to evacuate immediately. These go-bags should include items such as prescription medication, food, water, extra clothing, and copies of important documents and phone numbers to get you through the first few critical days. For details on putting together a family emergency kit, visit www.ready.nj.gov.
Also, create an emergency plan with your family and friends in case you’re not together when a natural, technological or man-made occurs. Discuss how you will contact each other, where you will meet and what you will do in different situations. It is crucial for you to become familiar with your town’s evacuation routes. For information on how to put a family emergency plan together, visit www.ready.nj.gov. Pets are family too! Be sure to include them in your emergency plans by visiting www.animalemergency.nj.gov.
NJOEM says it is important to stay informed as Hurricane Florence approaches the state. The state agency works closely with the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency regarding forecasts and other important disaster news. Use credible websites to get information about natural hazards and emergency preparedness. National Weather Service NJ is covered by two different weather stations: Mount Holly, NJ for most of the State and Upton, NY for the NE part of the State. For Northeast NJ residents and commuters to/from New York City, please visit: www.weather.gov/okx/. For the rest of New Jersey please visit: www.weather.gov/phi/.
Finally, residents and family members and employees of Hearthstone Estates Assisted Living should become familiar with its disaster notification plan. Talk with your community management or resident council about how you can be more prepared together.
To download the New Jersey Hurricane Survival Guide go to www.nj.gov/njoem/plan-prepare/hurricanes.shtml