Public Input Sought on Hazards Mitigation Plan

The second public session on Ocean County's Comprehensive Hazards Mitigation Plan is scheduled for May 20 at the Ocean County Southern Service Center in Manahawkin.
 Click here to read the release

DRCs New Hours Starting April 8

Disaster Recovery Centers in Ocean County will remain open until May 1, the new deadline to register for disaster assistance. Center hours however will change on April 8.
 Click here to read the release

May 1 New Deadline for Disaster Assistance

Citizens affected by Superstorm Sandy now have until May 1 to apply for disaster assistance.
 Click here for more information

Multi-jurisdictional All Hazard Mitigation Plan

Ocean County is developing a Multi-jurisdictional All Hazard Mitigation Plan between now and Autumn 2013. Please click here to learn more and submit comments. This website will be used throughout the planning process to post information, collect comments, announce meetings, and to post draft documents. Visit the ‘Announcements' page to subscribe to alerts!

SBA Assistance Opens Office in Manahawkin

For information on SBA Assistance please read the attached release.

 Click here to read the release

FEMA Assistance

There are three ways to apply for assistance:

•Apply Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
•Apply via a smartphone at m.fema.gov
•Apply by Phone:
•Call (800) 621-3362.
•Call TTY (800) 462-7585 for people with speech or hearing disabilities.

Or vist the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at
The Ocean County Southern Service Center
Routes 9 and 72
Manahawkin

Helpful Websites

The following are the websites providing information for residents of Long Beach Island towns and the northern barrier island towns in Ocean County.

 www.tomsrivertownship.com
 www.seaside-heightsnj.org
 www.lavallette.org
 www.seasideparknj.org
 www.twp.brick.nj.us
 http://twp.berkeley.nj.us/index.aspx
 www.mantoloking.org/

For Long Beach Island information visit the Long Beach Island Joint Emergency Operation Center website at  www.lbieoc.org/home.html

Hurricane Survival Guide

From August through the Fall, tropical storms become more prevalent in our area. It is important to be prepared before they strike. Please see the attached guide for helpful hints on preparing for storms.


 Hurricane Survival Guide

 Emergency Management Hurricane Evacuations

 Emergency Management After the Hurricane

Heat Related Emergency Safety Tips

The Ocean County Office of Emergency Management recommends residents be mindful that excessive heat can cause serious illness.

The following heat related emergency safety tips can help in navigating the summer heat:
-Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible
-If you do go outside stay in the shade
-If your home is not air conditioned, spend at least two hours daily at an air conditioned mall, library or other public place
-Wear sunscreen outside, along with loose fitting light colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible
-Drink water regularly even if you are not thirsty. Limit alcohol, and sugary drinks which speeds dehydration
-Never leave children or pets alone in the car
-Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day
-Take a cool shower or bath
-Be a good neighbor, check on elderly and people with disabilities in your community who may need assistance keeping cool

Additionally, residents should contact their local offices of emergency management regarding any open air-conditioned senior centers or cooling stations.

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults and people with disabilities are more at risk for heat because they do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature; they are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat; and they are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.

The CDC also offers the following tips for older adults, persons with disabilities and/or their caregivers:

-Visit older adults who are at risk at least twice a day and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
-Encourage them to increase their fluid intake by drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages regardless of their activity level.
-Warning: If their doctor generally limits the amount of fluid they drink or they are on water pills, they will need to ask their doctor how much they should drink while the weather is hot.
-Take them to air-conditioned locations, if they have transportation problems.

Heat is often referred to as the "silent killer," in contrast to tornados, hurricanes and other natural hazards with more dramatic visual effects. For more information regarding heat related emergencies, please log on to www.ready.nj.gov, visit the National Weather Service Heat Safety Page (http://www.weather.gov/om/heat/index.shtml), or call 2-1-1.

2012 Hurricane Season Starts

Ocean County Emergency Management Officials are urging citizens and visitors to get prepared in advance of summer storms and hurricanes. The hurricane season begins June 1 and runs until mid-November.

 Click here to read how you can prepare for hurricanes and summer storms.

National Weather Center Hurricane Preparedness Guide (English and Spanish versions).

Prepare In Advance for Storms

The following are suggested actions to be taken prior to arrival of a storm:

- Check battery-powered equipment such as radios and flashlights. Buy extra batteries.
- Secure outdoor objects that might become caught in the wind.
- Keep your car fueled should evacuation be necessary.
- Be aware of where evacuation routes are located.
- Stock up on non-perishable food items and water.
- Keep tuned to a local radio or television station for the latest National Weather Service advisories as well as instructions from local officials.
-Be familiar with the telephone number of your local Office of Emergency Management.

Some suggestions once the storm arrives:
-When road conditions are poor stay at home if at all possible.
-If you have to travel give yourself extra time, make sure you have water and other nonperishable food items in the car.

Additional information can be found on emergency preparedness and safety concerns by clicking on Event of Emergency/Hurricane on the navigation bar found on the emergency preparedness website at www.co.ocean.nj.us.