TOMS RIVER – With September being a prime month during the hurricane season, Ocean County officials are urging residents to prepare for any tropical storm that may threaten the shore area.
“While Hurricane Dorian currently poses no threat to our region, this monster storm should serve as a reminder that the Jersey Shore remains vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms,” Freeholder Director Virginia E. Haines said.
Haines advised residents to prepare an emergency plan and be proactive if a major storm targets the county.
Every home should have an up-to-date portable disaster supply kit at all times, which includes: a gallon of drinking water a day for each person, prescription drugs and special dietary foods, a supply of non-perishable foods, a first aid kit, a battery powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
“The time to prepare this kit is now,” Freeholder Deputy Director John P. Kelly said. “Don’t wait for a storm to approach.
Kelly, who is also director of law and public safety, said residents should also pay close attention to weather reports.
“Forecasts usually give us at least five days warning of a dangerous storm. Pay attention and be ready to act,” Kelly said.
In the event that you are evacuated to a shelter, it is recommended to bring blankets/sleeping bags/pillows, change of clothes, cash/credit card/checkbook, family documents, birth certificates, insurance policies, stock certificates, medicine and prescription drugs, infant formula/food, special dietary foods and diapers.
Having a household Disaster Supplies Kit is important and pet owners should also have Animal Supply Kits and Take-Along Bags for service animals and pets.
Pet kits should include: a two-week supply of water and food, non-spill food and water dishes, cage/carrier labeled with contact information, favorite toys and treats, leash, collar and harness, litter, litter pan, paper towels and plastic baggies, and pet medication.
It is also advised to make sure that your pets and service animals have current identification tags, and that their vaccinations are current. A plan as to how your pets will be cared for if you have to evacuate, as well as keeping them confined or securely leashed during or after a disaster will assist them from being confused or scared.
Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy is urging residents with disabilities to sign up for Register Ready, New Jersey’s Special Needs registry for disasters. This program provides information to emergency responders so they can better meet specific needs of disabled residents in the event of a disaster or other emergency.
Mastronardy said, “this registry not only helps our senior and special-needs residents, but it also provides information so that residents can be checked on during weather emergencies.”
To register online, go to www.registerready.nj.gov and click on the Register Ready icon at the bottom of the page.
