For Immediate Release:
January 26, 2015
Residents should be prepared, stay safe
County has reminders for latest winter storm
FREEHOLD, NJ – Communication is key during a storm and with tonight’s storm headed our way, Monmouth County officials are reminding residents to continue their winter weather preparedness efforts.
“It’s important for us to prepare because winter weather can cause power outages that could result in loss of heat, water and communications to our homes and businesses,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso, liaison to the County Office of Emergency Management.
Preparing for winter storms is very similar to preparing for other emergencies like hurricanes or floods, with the addition of some cold-weather supplies.
“As we saw with Superstorm Sandy, there may be times when you lose not only access to television and telephones through the power in your home, but your cell phone service as well,” said DiMaso. “It is essential to make sure that you and your family have a battery-powered radio, and extra batteries, so that you will be able to learn about local emergency instructions.”
County officials encourage residents to prepare their family, home and vehicle for emergencies.
“Make sure your family has a plan in the event of a prolonged emergency,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “It is crucial that the whole family knows the plan of how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.”
“With the approaching storm, Monmouth County Public Works crews are monitoring the weather and are prepared to take care of keeping 1,000 lane miles of County roads open,” Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone said. “Our crews and equipment are out on the roads and ready to go as the weather conditions change. We have 135 trucks outfitted with spreading and plowing capabilities.”
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