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Hurricane Information
Storms & Hurricane Information
If a hurricane were to hit the Jersey shore flooding could occur up to Route 9 and beyond? A higher category hurricane could flood portions of the Garden State Parkway! Scary, isn't it?!! When one considers the devastation of the storm, flooded evacuation routes and the thousands of automobiles trying to flee the storm after the fact, the scene becomes an impossible scenario.
There are ways to overcome this scenario and PREPAREDNESS is the key word here. Hurricane season runs from June to November and your first line of defense is to remain alert to weather conditions. A HURRICANE WATCH means that there is a possibility of a hurricane hitting the area. When a HURRICANE WARNING is issued, it means that the hurricane will hit land at an approximate time as long as it stays on course. At the time of the WARNING, it is time for you to put into motion steps that may be necessary to save your life. When the word to EVACUATE is given, only your safety and welfare are being considered. Sophisticated equipment is saying that the area is most probably going to be hit with torrential rains, high winds and flooding - all of which can destroy property and take lives.
Having necessary supplies on hand NOW means that when a HURRICANE WARNING is issued, you can be a step ahead by avoiding long lines and empty shelves at stores. More importantly, you can be on the highway to evacuate before highways become grid locked.
When a HURRICANE WARNING is issued:
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Fill your automobile's gasoline tank.
Keep an adequate supply of prescription medicines and personal items on hand.
Pack bottled water, canned food that can be eaten without preparation, a hand operated can opener, utensils and cups, paper towels, etc.
Put sleeping bags, blankets and pillows in your automobile's trunk. Your car may be stranded before you get to Aunt Mary's house, or you may be evacuated to an area center, in which case you will need these as well as folding chairs.
Good flashlights are a must along with a supply of batteries, as are a first-aid kit and a portable radio which may be your only connection to the outside world when the electricity and telephones go out and your cellular phone is useless due to the overloading of the lines.
Place your irreplaceable papers, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, deeds, car titles, FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY, etc., in a waterproof plastic container and toss it in your car trunk. Papers in your safety deposit box at the bank should be safe.
Don't forget when you evacuate to take toilet tissue, toiletries, several toys for the kids, a book for yourself and whatever else you can't do without for a day or two until the water subsides and you can return to your home.
If you have a pet, purchase a pet carrier and arrange with your veterinarian to house your pet in an emergency. Evacuation centers cannot accept pets, so you must have a plan in mind before the emergency hits. There are many pet boarding kennels in Burlington County and we have made copies of the Burlington County yellow pages listing these establishments. You may pick up a copy at the Stafford Township municipal building. It would be wise to take pets to an inland pet boarding establishment a day or two before the storm is scheduled to hit our area.
If yours is a rental property, it is imperative that you inform tenants of hurricane preparedness by giving them a copy of this article.
Most importantly, remember that relatives and friends living out of the area will be concerned for your welfare. Make arrangements NOW with SOMEONE OUT OF THIS AREA, that in case of an emergency, you will call them to alert them of your whereabouts and tell them that concerned relatives will call them to get this information. Next, call anyone who might try to contact you in an emergency and give them the telephone number to call. Tell them to NEVER call the police department or emergency management center, as these lines MUST be kept open for maneuvers and emergencies.
If you are told to evacuate, whether by radio, television or loud speakers from police or township vehicles, ready your supplies at once. Turn off the electricity and gas, secure your home and GET OUT! If you know of neighbors without transportation, offer them your help. Any person not having transportation to evacuate may call 609-597-1189, extension 8264, to arrange for same. Post this telephone number on your refrigerator now if you may need it during a storm.
If you are foolish enough to ignore evacuation orders, you must be aware that once high flooding and high winds occur, YOU WILL BE ON YOUR OWN. Good luck!
Hurricane Categories
Category 1 : winds 74 - 95 mph
Category 2 : winds 96 - 110 mph
Category 3 : winds 111 - 130 mph
Category 4 : winds 131 - 155 mph
Category 5 : winds 156 mph ... plus
In 1992, Hurricane Andrew hit the Florida coast leaving $12 billion in property damage, 50 killed and thousands homeless.