TOMS RIVER – Toms River officials are assuring residents that the township is prepared and taking precautionary measures as Hurricane Florence makes its way up the east coast.
“We now have four high-water rescue trucks, army vehicles and a swift water rescue team that is trained and certified to rescue civilians during flooding. We are much better equipped [since Superstorm Sandy],” said Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher.
The Toms River Police Department also has a new generator and four-by-four vehicles on standby to head to the beaches, if necessary.
The Toms River Office of Emergency Management warns residents to stay alert during high-tide cycles to be prepared in the event of back-bay flooding. If you live in flood-prone areas, OEM advises you to move your vehicles to higher ground. Parking will be available at Silverton Park and Castle Park, if needed.
Toms River OEM also has free sandbags available. The bags are not filled with sand, but fill is available at the Bey Lea Golf Course parking lot on North Bay Avenue. If you wish to reserve a sandbag, call Toms River OEM at 732-341-3267. These will be available only while supplies last.
Residents can stay informed and up to date with Nixle at nixle.com.
“This system will enable officials to provide essential information to registered citizens in the event of an emergency or weather-related disaster,” said OEM Coordinator Paul Daley.
Information will also be available on the OEM Facebook page at facebook.com/TomsRiverOfficeofEmergencyManagement/.
“We advise residents to monitor forecasts this week and tune into 92.7 WOBM for information,” said Mayor Kelaher. “Motorists should allow extra travel time as some roadways may be temporarily closed due to flooding. They are also reminded not to drive through flood waters and risk getting stuck or incurring damages to their vehicles. High winds may be a factor and cause downed power lines or outages. Property owners should review their emergency communication plan and stock emergency supplies. Include food and water sufficient for at least three days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.”
