County of Monmouth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 21, 2009

Be prepared is best advice for 2009 storm season

FREEHOLD – With summer beginning to wane and hurricane season building, Monmouth County’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is reminding residents to be ready for storms and other emergencies.

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“Following some basics steps and getting prepared now means you will be ready for virtually any big weather event or other disaster that may affect Monmouth County,” said Glenn Mason, the county’s OEM coordinator. “Everyone should follow Steps One, Two and Three.”

  • Step One - Assemble a Kit of Emergency Supplies – Batteries, flashlight, radio, first-aid kit,  medications, food and water to last three or more days, can opener, cooking tools, toiletries.
  • Step Two - 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.
  • Step Three – Stay Informed - Listen to local radio and television for the latest information on  storms and other emergencies.  Review what warning sirens are used in your community to  alert residents of major emergencies.

“Preparing for the worst makes dealing with it that much easier,” said Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow, liaison to the County Office of Emergency Management. “The likelihood that you and your family will survive a nor’easter, hurricane or other emergency depends on the preparations that you make now.”

Mason recommends that residents consider two additional steps. “Steps Four and Five will help bring your readiness to the next level and are well worth the effort,” Mason said.

  • Step Four – Financial Preparedness – Consider your insurance and financial needs in the event of a disaster. Also, take time to prepare a household inventory. If an evacuation is  necessary, be sure to have cash or credit cards at your disposal.
  • Step Five – Consider joining the Citizen Corps – Join others in you community who are  ready to provide critical support to first responders and to fellow residents during  emergencies.

Undergoing Citizen Corps training is a great way to feel empowered in the event of any emergency. Additional information about storm and disaster preparations are available on the county’s Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.

The county OEM works closely with federal, state and local partners to prepare for virtually all hazards, natural or manmade, that could affect New Jersey’s families, communities and businesses.

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