Hurricane Earl Update - Sept. 2, 2010

Ocean County's Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor the track of Hurricane Earl.

As of Thursday morning, Sept. 2, a tropical storm warning continues to be in effect for the New Jersey Coast including Ocean County. Conditions are likely for tropical storm force winds, which can range from 39 to 58 miles per hour and are expected to occur within the next 36 hours. Rain, about one to two inches, is expected to fall along the coast and about one-half to one inch is expected inland. The effect on inland municipalities in Ocean County is expected to be less.

At the shoreline waves are expected to be five to 10 feet. Minor tidal flooding may occur.

The storm is expected to be off the coast of Cape May by 2 p.m. on Friday. The storm is expected to pass Ocean County about 8 p.m. Friday if it stays on its current track. Winds are expected to begin to increase Thursday evening and continue throughout the day on Friday.

Hurricane Earl is currently a Category 4 hurricane and packing sustained winds of 145 miles per hour.

The storm is expected to bring very rough seas, strong rip currents and some beach erosion. Seas will continue to be rough throughout the day on Saturday, even though the storm will have moved through the area. Coastal municipalities in Ocean County need to take precautions to warn beachgoers of the potential risks. The weekend weather is expected to be clear and sunny.

Some back bay flooding may also occur during high tides. Flooding at this time is expected to be minor in Ocean County.

Evacuations are not being recommended as of this time. However, residents should be prepared for the storm. Because of the wind conditions outside items should be secured.

Information on hurricane preparedness can be found on the Ocean County website at www.co.ocean.nj.us and click on "Be Prepared" on the home page. Also information is posted in the Ocean County Updates box on the home page.

If your town needs assistance contact the Office of Emergency Management at 732-341-3451, emergency management staff is available to help with questions or concerns you may have.

Prepare In Advance for Storms

The Ocean County Office of Emergency Management reminds Ocean County residents that the hurricane season is here. Residents are urged not to wait for the approach of an impending storm to get prepared.

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.

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.

Precautions to Avoid Heat Related Illness

Beating the Heat

Prolonged heat and humidity can present a serious health hazard, especially for young children, the elderly and persons taking certain medications.

The excessive heat can cause serious health conditions to develop very quickly – especially heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

To avoid health complications from excessive heat here are some recommedations from the state Department of Health and Senior Services:

• Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages.
• Make sure children and the elderly are drinking water, and ensure that persons with mobility problems have adequate fluids in easy reach.
• If you do not have air conditioning, spend time in
air-conditioned places such as libraries, movies, malls or other public buildings during the hottest hours of the day. Check with your municipality to see if cooling centers are available.
• Wear loose and light-colored clothing. Wear a hat when outdoors.
• Avoid any outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day. Reduce physical activity or reschedule it for cooler times of the day.
• Don't leave children, a frail elderly or disabled person, or pets in an enclosed car -- not even for a minute -- as temperatures can quickly climb to dangerous levels.
• Talk to your health care provider about any medicine or drugs you are taking. Certain medications -- such as tranquilizers and drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease -- can increase the risk of heat-related illness.

Take care of yourself and please remember to check on elderly family members and neighbors to make sure they are safe.

For more information on preventing heat-related illness, please visit the DHSS web site at www.nj.gov/health/eoh/hhazweb/cool.htm.

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Keeping Safe During Wildfire Season

Spring is often the time of year for wildfires and brush fires in Ocean County. You can help defend your property from wildfire damage by implementing these tips:

REMOVE:
Dry vegetation, such as dead grass and leaves within 30 feet of your home.
Tree branches within 10 feet of your chimneys.
Branches within six to 10 feet of the ground.
Firewood within 50 feet of your home.
Thick beds of pine needles within 10 feet of your home.

Cover:
Chimneys, attic and soffit vents, and elevated wood decks with a non-combustible screening of one quarter inch or smaller mesh.

Plant:
Native, fire resistant vegetation.
All trees and shrubs at least ten feet apart.

Maintain:
A healthy, watered defensible space of lawn and plants at least thirty feet around your home.
A legible and clearly marked street number.
A twelve foot wide by fifteen foot high driveway clearance for fire engines.

Install:
Roof covering material with a Class A fire resistive rating.
Spark arresters in all chimney outlets.
Skirting around mobile homes.

Maintain an emergency water supply within 1,000 feet of your home through one one of the following:
Community water hydrant system
Drafting site on a lake
Cooperative emergency storage tank with neighbors
Swimming pool

Remember, if under a wildfire threat, only remove dead leaves or vegetation when local garbage collection services will have time to pick up the debris. Do not burn vegetation without following local requirements, laws and ordinances.

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