Friday, October 2, 2015
The potential for coastal flooding, high winds, heavy rain and power outages still exists despite the present favorable track of Hurricane Joaquin moving out into the Atlantic Ocean and away from the eastern U.S. Coastline.
Atlantic County Emergency Management officials continue to monitor the current storm system as well as Hurricane Joaquin and work with our local emergency management officials to put plans and resources in place should they be needed, including emergency shelters.
Residents are reminded to make their own storm preparations that include restocking disaster supply kit items, securing outdoor furniture and objects, refilling prescriptions, charging electronic devices and having a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water. Additional suggestions are available on the county’s emergency preparedness web site: www.ReadyAtlantic.org.
It is also a good time to register with CodeRED, the county’s Community Notification System to receive email or text alerts. Registration is available at www.ReadyAtlantic.org.
The web site also includes a list of evacuation routes. As is the case in any emergency it is recommended that residents have an out-of-area contact should an evacuation be ordered. Shelters should be a last resort; not a first choice. It is typically more comforting to seek shelter with family and friends than at a shelter with only basic provisions.
A High Wind Warning is in effect through Saturday morning with a forecast of 25-30 mph winds and gusts up to 60 mph. A Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect through 6 PM on Sunday.
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 book as well as at: www.ReadyAtlantic.org/mainpages/localems.asp.