Thursday, October 1, 2015

Residents Urged to Begin Storm Preparations

While the exact track of Hurricane Joaquin remains uncertain at this time, there is the strong potential for heavy rain, coastal flooding and high winds for our area beginning with today’s storm system followed by Joaquin’s move up the mid-Atlantic region this weekend.

Atlantic County emergency management officials continue to track and monitor the progress of Hurricane Joaquin. At this time residents are encouraged to stay informed and to discuss emergency plans with family members, including preparations for pets. They should also review and replenish their disaster supply kits. A complete list of items to include in a kit is available online at www.ReadyAtlantic.org where one can also find evacuation routes, preparedness information for those with special needs, contact information for local emergency management offices and more.

Residents are also encouraged to register with CodeRED, the county’s Community Notification System, at www.ReadyAtlantic.org to receive email or text alerts.

A Coastal Flood Warning is currently in effect until 6 AM on Friday, October 2 in anticipation of widespread to major tidal flooding through multiple tide cycles beginning midday today into the weekend. A Coastal Flood Watch has been issued Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4, and a High Wind Watch has been issued for Friday, October 2 through Saturday, October 3.

Residents should be prepared to move their vehicles to higher ground and to avoid driving through flood waters.

In addition to disaster supply kit essentials, such as batteries, a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water, flashlights, portable radios and chargers, residents are reminded to have cash on hand in the event of power outages, fill gas tanks, charge electronic devices, and have a supply of necessary medications for yourself and/or your pets.

It is also recommended that you check your properties and secure outdoor furniture and belongings. Fallen leaves can block or clog storm drains contributing to neighborhood flooding. Property owners are encouraged to remove leaves wherever possible.

If the storms result in prolonged power outages, there are steps you can take to minimize food loss and to keep all members of your household as comfortable as possible. Visit www.ReadyAtlantic.org
to learn more as well as to access information regarding the use of generators.

In the event of a life-threatening emergency call 9-1-1. For non-life threatening emergencies your first call should be to your local Office of Emergency Management. Contact numbers are provided in the Verizon phone directory as well as at: http://www.readyatlantic.org/mainpages/localems.asp.

Click here to access ReadyAtlantic.org

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