Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 15-21
Freeholders recognize towns for emergency prep and response

The Board recognized the County’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the emergency management coordinators in the County’s 53 municipalities for their work in preparing for a storm and following up in its aftermath.

“The hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and continues through the end of November. It is not too early to review how to prepare and react in the event of a severe storm,” stated Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso, liaison to the County’s Office of Emergency Management. “Weather conditions are beyond our control, but reacting to the elements is something we can anticipate.

“Information and communication are central pieces in emergency management,” continued DiMaso. “All towns in Monmouth County are susceptible to damage from a hurricane. Power outages, flooding, downed electrical lines and damage to homes is not confined to one area. We need to start anticipating in the event these impacts occur.”

 

Hurricane Preparedness Week is the time to prepare for a potential tropical storm or hurricane.

“Monmouth County’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and municipal emergency management agencies meet regularly to discuss and share information on how to prepare, respond and recover from emergency and disaster situations, to ensure that all agencies are fully prepared,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden, whose agency runs OEM. “Residents also have a responsibility. As we approach hurricane season, planning, preparing, staying informed and heeding instructions provided to them, increases safety during weather related events that may affect Monmouth County.”

A preparedness kit should include the following items: 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 and extra batteries for both; flashlight and extra batteries; first aid kit; a whistle to signal for help; dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting; moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation; a wrench or pliers; a manual can opener for food; and local maps.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a seven day schedule available during Hurricane Preparedness Week that supplies tips on what to do in anticipation of severe weather:

Sunday, May 15 - Find out what types of wind and water hazards could happen where you live, and then start preparing now for how to handle them. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Their impacts can be felt hundreds of miles inland. Hurricanes such as Ike, Sandy and Isaac reminded us that significant impacts can occur without it being a major hurricane.

Monday, May 16 - Find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you’re in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane. If so, figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles. Identify someone, perhaps a friend or relative who doesn’t live in a zone or unsafe home, and discuss with them if you can use their home as your evacuation destination. Put the plan in writing for you and those you care about.

Tuesday, May 17 - Call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home. Don’t forget coverage for your car or boat. Remember, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate policy for it, and it’s available through your company, agent or the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov. Act now as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.

Wednesday, May 18 – Supplies are needed, not just to get through the storm, but for a potentially lengthy and unpleasant aftermath. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of one week. Extra cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlights are also a necessity. For cell phones, a portable, crank or solar powered USB charger is also a must.

Thursday, May 19 - If planning to ride out the storm in your home, make sure it is in good repair and up to local hurricane building code specifications. Many of these retrofits do not cost much. Have the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to board up the windows and doors. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand the winds.

Friday, May 20 - NOAA's National Hurricane Center is the official source for hurricane forecasts and the issuance of hurricane watches and warnings. Your local NOAA National Weather Service forecast office provides information regarding the expected impacts from the storm for your area. Emergency managers will make the decisions regarding evacuations.

Saturday, May 21 - The time to prepare for a hurricane is before the season begins, when you have the time and are not under pressure. If you wait until a hurricane is on your doorstep, the odds are that you will be under duress and will make the wrong decisions. Take the time now to write down your hurricane plan. Know where you will ride out the storm and get your supplies now. Being prepared will mean the difference between your being a hurricane victim and a hurricane survivor.

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