County issues state of emergency

Allows for prep in advance of Hurricane Sandy

 

FREEHOLD, NJ –Following Gov. Chris Christie’s declaration of a state of emergency in advance of Hurricane Sandy, the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in cooperation with the Board of Chosen Freeholders issued a state of emergency for Monmouth County at noon today.

This state of emergency will allow the Office of Emergency Management to mobilize all county resources and direct them where they are needed to protect life and property. These actions include ordering mandatory evacuations and controlling traffic on all roadways.

Hurricane Sandy is expected to arrive Monday and continue with high winds, torrential rain and the potential for major flooding through Tuesday.;

“The most important factor we need to stress throughout this event is that people stay safe,” said Mike Oppegaard, OEM Director. “If you need to evacuate make arrangements with family or friends who live in an area that will be less impacted by the storm.”

As a last resort, residents without a place to go should contact their town for information regarding shelters. Each Monmouth County municipality will have a reception center to assist and advise its residents. Those who need shelter will be registered and transported to a shelter that is being set up by Monmouth County in cooperation with the State of New Jersey.

For specific information about storm preparation, response and possible evacuations it’s important to contact your local Office of Emergency Management. A complete list of Monmouth County municipalities and their contact information is posted at visitmonmouth.com under the Hurricane Sandy Updates page.

Sheriff Shaun Golden continues to remind residents to assemble a kit of emergency supplies, create an emergency plan and tune into local radio and television for current information.; “With a considerable storm surge and a great deal of rain expected residents need to prepare, plan and stay informed,” Golden said.

Recommended items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

Flashlight and extra batteries

First aid kit

Whistle to signal for help

Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

Local maps

Cell phone with chargers

 

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

Prescription medications and glasses

Infant formula and diapers

Pet food and extra water for your pet

Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

Cash or traveler's checks and change

Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information fromwww.ready.gov

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

Fire Extinguisher

Matches in a waterproof container

Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels

Paper and pencil

Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.

 

Plan – create an emergency plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan a way to contact one another, such as enlisting the help of a third party in another state as a contact, and review what you will do in different situations.;