Snowstorm Information

The following is information to help you weather winter storms:

Stock up on foods that do not have to be heated or refrigerated like peanut butter and jelly, canned tuna. Also have extra bottled water.
Make sure your medication prescriptions are filled.
Keep cars off the street to allow for smoother plowing operations.
Keep tuned to a local radio or television station for the latest National Weather Service advisories as well as instructions from local officials.
In case of an emergency contact your local Police Department or Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator.
If you must venture out, dress in layers, cover your face and wear mittens to help prevent frostbite.
If you must shovel, do so in intervals so as not to strain yourself unnecessarily.
If you must travel, do so with extreme caution, make sure you have a full tank of gas, an emergency kit in the vehicle including a shovel, flashlight, water, and let someone know where you are going and the route you are taking.

Most importantly be patient. Ocean County has more than 620 miles of roads. Road clearing will take some time because of the severity of the storm.

H1N1 update

 For important information on H1N1 click here

Prepare in Advance for Storms

The Ocean County Office of Emergency Management reminds Ocean County residents that the winter season is here. Residents are urged not to wait for the approach of an impending winter 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.
· Keep tuned to a local radio or television station for the latest National Weather Service advisories as well as instructions from local officials.

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 co.ocean.nj.us.

SWINE FLU ALERT

What is Swine Influenza (Flu)
-Swine Influenza is a respiratory disease caused by type "A" influenza that causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs, but is contagious among humans.

What are the symptoms?
Fever, Cough, Sore Throat, Body Aches, Diarrhea and Vomiting, Headaches, Chills and Fatigue, Nausea and Lethargic

Is it contagious?
-YES, like most flu strains, it is highly contagious

How is it transmitted?
-Human to Human - the same way as seasonal flu
-NOT transmitted by eating pork

Identification and Treatment
-Swine Flu is identified by laboratory analysis conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
- No vaccine is available because this is a mosaic virus for which a new vaccine must be created
- Tamiflu and Relenza are commonly utilized to fight the influenza virus

What precautions can you take
- Sick people should stay home
- People with symptoms should contact their doctor, who can decide if flu testing is required
- Cover your mouth & nose when coughing or sneezing
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

Preparing Against Wildfires

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 10FEET of your chimneys.
Branches WITHIN 6 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.