October 1, 2015
Hurricane Joaquin Alert - Prepare Now for
Extreme Weather Conditions
Current indications are that Hurricane Joaquin may impact the Northeast U.S. in the
coming days. This is currently a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds at 80 miles per
hour. The projected path may change, however, early estimates bring the storm directly
over New Jersey sometime between Sunday (10/4) and Tuesday (10/6). Below are ways to
prepare:
Stockton Borough is taking all the necessary steps to prepare for this storm. While our
emergency management team hopes that the storm track and intensity will be less severe
than is forecast, we are erring on side of caution. We encourage all Borough residents to
make all necessary preparations now.
Depending on where and how it hits land, Hurricane Joaquin has the potential to cause
significant flooding and water and wind damage. Utilities such as electricity, phone, water,
and internet service may be disrupted. Outages may last for more the 24 hours and heat
may be out in homes. Grocery stores and pharmacies may be closed. Road closures are
likely. Travel may be unsafe or impossible during and immediately after the storm, when
flood waters may still be rising and trees and debris await removal.
Please anticipate these possibilities and prepare to be able to “shelter in place” - ie. remain
at home until vehicular travel is permitted and/or utility services are restored.
Residents who feel they are unable to shelter in place should immediately develop a plan to
leave the region before the storm arrives.
Please consider the following household preparations NOW:
TO MINIMIZE DAMAGE
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Remove or secure all objects that may become air borne from yards and porches.
Check sump pumps and back-up batteries.
Clear valuable items off floors of basements.
Make sure gutters and leaders and sump pump drains are clear.
Fill up gas tanks and garage vehicles during the storm, avoid parking under trees.
If you have a generator you plan to use should power fails, test it now. Read
through these Generator Safety Tips:
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/generators.html
BASIC NECESSITIES
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Fill all needed prescriptions.
Have sufficient food in house that does not require cooking. Consider packing your
freezer and/or a cooler with ice for food storage.
Stock several days drinking water, fill bathtub for flushing water.
Buy batteries, have flashlights and portable radios on hand.
Plan for your pets like you would plan for your family. Make sure to have a
stockpile of food and water available. Have a cat carrier or dog crate and a heavy
leash available to contain your animals. Make sure your pet has a collar with ID
affixed.
COMMUNICATIONS
Emergency Management does its best to keep road closure and other emergency
information available. However, conditions may change rapidly. For your own safety, DO
NOT CROSS POLICE BARRIERS PLACED IN ROADWAYS. Turn around, don’t
drown.
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If possible, keep a corded (not portable or VOIP) landline phone available, which
will still work when power is out.
Charge cell phones, only use minimally if electric goes out to extend battery life.
Note: Text messages can sometimes get through when cell calls cannot.
To report downed wires or power outages, call JCP&L’s Customer Service line at 1888-544-4877.
Power outage activity throughout JCP&L service territory is online at www.jcp-l.com
Using a series of short codes, customers can send text messages to 544487 (LIGHTS)
to report a power outage, request a status update on a reported outage
Do not call the municipal building for utility information, call the utility.
Use 9-1-1 only for a true emergency.
OTHER TIPS
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Write down emergency phone numbers. Plan for possibility of staying with a
relative or friend, should power loss be extended.
It is recommended that those with special needs register at NJ Register Ready
https://www13.state.nj.us/SpecialNeeds/
Read hurricane preparedness tips at www.ready.gov/hurricanes
Thank you. Please stay safe.