Lt. Michael Osborn, Director
Rosemarie Chisholm-Cohen, CEM, Deputy Coordinator

Helpful Links:
FEMA - www.fema.gov
NJ State Police - www.njsp.org
National Weather Service: www.nws.noaa.gov
Mt. Holly Weather - www.erh.noaa.gov/er/phi
National Hurricane Center - www.nhc.noaa.gov
U.S. Department of Homeland Security - www.dhs.gov
NJ Homeland Security - www.njhomelandsecurity.gov

E-Mail: oceancountyemergencymanagement@co.ocean.nj.us

non-emergency hours of operation - Monday through Friday 7:30 am until 4:30 pm


Our Emergency Management Professional Staff

Lt. Michael Osborn, Director
Rosemarie Chisholm-Cohen, CEM, Deputy Coordinator
Officer Keith Klements, CERT Coordinator
Officer A. Stephen Healey, Radiological Officer
Peter Genneken, Communications Coordinator
Robert Butkus, Domestic Preparedness Planner
Charles Webster, Emergency Management Planner


Municipal Offices of Emergency Management

Municipality Telephone Numbers

Barnegat Township (609) 660-1168
Borough of Barnegat Light (609) 494-9196
Borough of Bay Head (732) 892-0588
Borough of Beach Haven (609) 492-0111
Borough of Beachwood (732) 341-1148
Berkeley Township (732) 914-8966
Brick Township (732) 262-1100
Dover Township (732) 341-3267
Eagleswood Township (609) 296-3040
Borough of Harvey Cedars (609) 494-6509
Borough of Island Heights (732) 270-5500
Jackson Township (732) 928-1200
Lacey Township (609) 693-6636
Borough of Lakehurst (732) 657-4141
Lakewood Township (732) 363-0200
Borough of Lavallette (732) 793-6417
Little Egg Harbor Township (609) 296-3666
Long Beach Township (609) 494-3322
Manchester Township (732) 657-6111
Borough of Mantoloking (732) 892-0832
Ocean Township (609) 693-4007
Borough of Ocean Gate (732)269-6804
Borough of Pine Beach (732) 349-4613
Plumsted Township (609) 758-3037
Borough of Point Pleasant (732) 892-0060
Borough of Point Pleasant Beach (732) 892-0500
Borough of Seaside Heights (732) 793-1800
Borough of Seaside Park (732) 793-8000
Borough of Ship Bottom (609) 494-1518
Borough of South Toms River (732) 349-0313
Stafford Township (609) 597-8581
Borough of Surf City (609) 494-8121
Borough of Tuckerton (609) 296-3286

please note these telephone numbers are for informational purposes only -
"they are not for reporting emergencies - in an emergency, call 911"

Emergency Operations Plans

Each jurisdiction in the State of New Jersey is required to have a written Emergency Operations
Plan. The County and each Municipality has developed an Emergency Operations Plan. These
Emergency Operations Plans are comprised of a Basic Plan and different annexes. These plans
are all hazard and include information regarding any potential risk or hazard the jurisdiction may
face. These plans include data regarding natural hazards as well as man-made threats.
The following is a brief description of the information found in an Emergency Operations Plan:

Basic Plan - This is a description of the jurisdiction. It includes the geographic size, the form of
government, the population and the services and resources available.

Alert, Warning and Communications Annex - This chapter describes the jurisdiction's ability to
communicate with emergency response agencies within and outside of the County and the
Municipality, their capability to alert the public and what specific equipment and frequencies they
possess to do so.

Damage Assessment Annex - This chapter details how a jurisdiction will document damage and
recover from the effects of a major incident. This section also includes the reporting steps
necessary for reporting damages to all levels of government; the County, the State and the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.

Emergency Medical Services - This chapter describes in detail the capability of the jurisdiction to
respond to first aid and emergency medical services incidents within the jurisdiction. It also
describes any mutual aid agreements and/or contracts with other jurisdictions.

Emergency Operations Center Annex - This chapter describes the Emergency Operations Center
"for the jurisdiction. It includes the location, lay-out, staffing pattern, set-up procedures and "
equipment resources available.

Emergency Public Information Annex - This chapter identifies the Public Information Officer for the
jurisdiction during major emergencies and disasters. It also identifies the media that will be used
to notify the public of emergency information.

Evacuation Annex - This chapter explains the jurisdiction's procedures for implementing an
evacuation, identifies possible evacuation routes and the resources and personnel who will
accomplish this effort.

Fire and Rescue Annex - This chapter focuses on the hazards and risks for a major fire, including
structural and forest fire, the jurisdiction may face. It identifies available response and rescue
equipment available within the jurisdiction. This section also describes any mutual aid agreements
and/or contracts with other jurisdictions.

Hazardous Materials Annex - This chapter identifies areas or facilities with high concentrates of
chemicals within the jurisdiction. It also describes the laws and response procedures to be
followed in a hazardous materials incident. This section further identifies the capability of the
jurisdiction to respond to a hazardous materials incident and any agreements or contracts they
may have with outside agencies.


Law Enforcement Annex - This chapter describes the capability of the law enforcement agency
within the jurisdiction. It also identifies any contracts the jurisdiction may have for law enforcement
coverage from outside agencies.

Public Health Annex - This chapter addresses the risks and resources for the public health function
in a jurisdiction. This section highlights the integrated public health response to incidents that may
impact public health.

Public Works Annex - This chapter details the public works resources of the jurisdiction's Public
Works Department. It also identifies any mutual aid agreements or contracts the jurisdiction may
have from outside agencies or jurisdictions.

Radiological Protection Annex - This chapter assesses the risks and response to a radiological
"incident caused by a fixed facility release, a transportation accident or an act of terrorism."

Resource Management Annex - This chapter identifies any available resources, the jurisdiction's
procurement policies and identifies sources for resources that may be needed from private sources
from both within and outside the jurisdiction.

Search and Rescue Annex - Currently this chapter is only in the County's Emergency Operations
Plan. This chapter identifies equipment, trained personnel and other resources that would be
needed in a search and rescue effort.

Shelter, Reception and Care Annex - This chapter identifies possible facilities to be used for
public shelters. This chapter also identifies supplies, equipment and personnel that may be
necessary in a shelter operation.

Social Services Annex - This chapter describes how the social service function will be implemented
during large scale emergencies and disasters.

Terrorism Incident Annex - This chapter focuses on the threat of a biological, chemical and/or
radiological threat. It identifies potential targets within the jurisdiction, equipment and resource
available and personnel trained for response to an event.

Veterinary Service and Animal Care Annex - This chapter identifies resources that may be needed
in a wide spread emergency or disaster to deal with pets, livestock and wildlife.

Please note that a jurisdiction's Emergency Operations Plan is not a public document. If you
believe you have a need for specific information contained within the plan for your jurisdiction,
speak to your Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator. Some information may be
available to you.


Family Emergency Operations Plan

Does your family have an Emergency Operations Plan? If not, you should. Don't wait until an
emergency or disaster strikes before you develop your plan. You really need to identify what type
of hazards and potential risks your jurisdiction faces, what you will take with you if you are asked to evacuate, what you will do with your pets and livestock, where you will go if you are asked to
evacuate, etc. The information in the following pages may help you to develop your family's
Emergency Operations Plan.

IF YOU ARE TOLD TO EVACUATE

In Ocean County there are a number of reasons why you may have to evacuate. These include,
but are not limited to:

Natural Disasters Technological & Manmade Disasters
Blizzard/Winter Storm Chemical Facility Accident
Earthquake Fire
Flood Nuclear Facility Accident
Hurricane Power Outage
Northeaster Transportation Accident
Tornado Act of Terrorism/War

Weather Terms
A Weather Watch A Weather Warning
If a weather storm watch is announced, if a weather storm warning is announced,
it means that storm conditions are a real it means that storm conditions are
possibility and may threaten Ocean County. expected to occur in Ocean County.

What To Do
When a weather warning has been announced, you should:

* Make sure your car has enough gas to get you to a shelter, remember traffic likely will be very heavy.

 * Clear your yard of loose objects, bicycles, lawn ornaments, furniture, garbage cans, etc.

* Secure your boat

* Check your flashlight and radio

* Take down awnings

* Prepare to evacuate as soon as you are asked to
* "Refill prescriptions, if your supply is low

* Gather items to take to the shelter in case you have to

* Organize your family and let friends and relatives know you may be evacuated evacuate

* Make arrangements for your pet(s)

STAY TUNED TO LOCAL RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS

Emergency Alert Stations
The following Ocean County stations will provide information regarding shelter
"locations, evacuations routes and other pertinent information:"

Radio Stations: 92.7 FM WOBM
98.5 FM WBBO
99.7 FM WBHX
100.1 FM WJRZ

Television Stations: Comcast Cable
Monmouth Cablevision


Take With You
If you are evacuating to a public shelter, you should bring the following with you:
* Blanket/Sleeping Bag/Pillow
* Lawn Chair/Lightweight Chaise Lounge
* Cash/Credit Card/Checkbook
* Expensive Jewelry
* Change of Clothing
* Family Documents/Photos
* Birth Certificates
* Insurance Policies
* Stock Certificates
* Flashlight
* Medicine/Prescription Drugs family cartoon
* Infant Formula/Foods
* Special Dietary Foods
* Diapers


Do NOT bring to a public shelter:
* Alcoholic Beverages
* Extra Food
* Guns or Other Weapons

Transportation

If you are in need of transportation or special help in order to evacuate, you should register with
your Municipal Office of Emergency Management now. Having this information ahead of time will
help them be better prepared to help you in a timely manner. In an emergency, you can obtain
evacuation assistance by calling your Municipal Office of Emergency Management or the Ocean
County Sheriff's Department, Office of Emergency Management at (732) 341-3451 or toll free at
(800) 331-8152.


About Pets and Livestock

Animals are not permitted in public shelters that are run by the American Red Cross. This is a
national policy. This does NOT include service animals. Some Municipalities in Ocean County
have established pet shelters and/or pet friendly shelters in their jurisdiction. Check with your
Municipal Office of Emergency Management to see if these facilities will be available for you in your
jurisdiction. Bringing animals with you when you evacuate can be challenging. You can call the
Ocean County Sheriff's Department, Office of Emergency Management at (732) 341-3451 or toll
free (800) 331-8152 to request a brochure with the information you will need to assist you.


Shelter Place

Evacuation is a last resort. You will not be asked to evacuate unless the State, County, and/or
Municipal Officials feel it is absolutely necessary to provide for your safety. Sometimes, there is
no time to evacuate. This is often true in a hazardous materials incident, for example. You may
then be asked to shelter ""in place"". This means that you stay inside your home or whatever
building you are in. Stay away from windows, doors and exterior walls if possible. If there is a
threat of a storm this is especially important. Branches, trees and other flying debris is extremely
dangerous and could crash through doors and windows or even impale the walls. You may be
asked to turn off all ventilation systems (heat and air conditioner) if there is a chemical spill. Listen
to your local radio stations, television stations and emergency responders for this vital information.


Keeping in Touch

Many times in a widespread disaster or emergency it is easier to call out-of-state than within the
affected area. For this reason it is important to establish one friend or relative for family members
to call if you become separated in an emergency or a disaster. It is also a good idea to have
a local number as well. This person then becomes the family communicator and can pass along
messages and vital information, relieving a great deal of stress and anxiety. Don't forget to teach
children how to make long distance telephone calls.

Be sure that your home has at least one telephone that is hard-wired. Portable telephones do not
work during power outages. Cellular phones have proven undependable in times of disaster.


We Have an Identity Crisis

We know that in Ocean County many of our residents may have special needs or need special
assistance in an emergency, especially during an evacuation. Developing emergency plans to
offer this assistance is challenging to Emergency Management Coordinators because we only
have a limited number of sources which identifies these individuals.

If you or a loved one might need assistance in an emergency, please call our office and we will
send you a copy of the Ocean County Sheriff's Department "We Care" brochure. The telephone
number is (732) 341-3451 on toll free (800) 331-8152.  This information is kept confidential and
"given to your municipal police department, so they can provide assistance in an emergency.


Disaster Supplies Kit

Every home should have one! Everyone should have a supply of the following items, packed in a 
storage container or duffel bag, for portability:

* A three day supply of water. * A list of family physicians
(one gallon per day per person)
* A list of medications and
* A supply of non-perishable prescriptions, including dosage
packaged or canned food that
does not require cooking  * The style and serial number of
non-electric can opener medical devices

* A first aid kit

* A battery powered radio and
flashlight with extra batteries

Be sure and update your supplies kit every six months!


Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, using the model created by the Los Angeles City
Fire Department, began promoting nationwide the use of the Community Emergency Response
Team concept in 1994. Since then, Community Emergency Response Teams have been
established in hundreds of communities. In Ocean County we now have twelve teams with over
two hundred team members.

Community Response Team training promotes a partnering effort between emergency services and
the people they serve. The goal is for emergency personnel to train members of neighborhoods,
community organizations, or workplaces in basic response skills. Community Emergency
Response Team members are then integrated into the emergency response capability for their
area.

If a disastrous event overwhelms or delays the community's emergency response, Community
Emergency Response Team members can assist others by applying basic response and
organizational skills that they have learned during training. These skills can help save and sustain
lives following a disaster until help arrives. These skills can also be utilized during daily
emergencies.

Community Emergency Response Team members maintain and refine their skills by participating
in exercises and activities. They can attend supplemental training offered by the sponsoring
agency and others that further their skills base. Finally, Community Emergency Response Team
members can volunteer for projects that improve community emergency preparedness.

Community Emergency Response Team training will teach participants to:

1. Describe the types of hazards most likely to affect their homes and communities.
2. Describe the function of the Community Emergency Response Team and their roles in
immediate response.
3. Take steps to prepare themselves for a disaster.
4. Identify and reduce potential fire hazards in their homes and workplaces.
5. Work as a team to apply basic fire suppression strategies, resources, and safety measures
to extinguish a burning liquid.
6. Apply techniques for opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating shock.
7. Conduct triage under simulated conditions.
8. Perform head-to-toe assessments.
9. Select and set up a treatment area.
10. Employ basic treatments for various wounds.
11. Identify planning and size-up requirements for potential search and rescue situations.
12. Describe the most common techniques for searching a structure.
13. Use safe techniques for debris removal and victim extrication.
14. Describe ways to protect rescuers during search and rescue.

This free training takes place in eight separate two or three hour sessions. Whether you want to
become a Community Emergency Response Team member or learn the disaster techniques to
help yourself and your family, this training will greatly benefit you and your community. If you are
interested or you would like some additional information, please contact our office and ask to
speak to the County Community Emergency Response Team Coordinator, Officer Keith Klements.
The telephone number is (732) 341-3451 or toll free (800) 331-8152.

A History of Disasters in Ocean County

The following events have been discovered through research and after many discussions with
various historians in our County. We feel it is as accurate as possible. The point of compiling this
history was to demonstrate that we certainly have the potential for many different types of disasters
in Ocean County.
 

June 1742
hail storm

Spring 1758
hail storm

(note: the significance is that these two eye passed within 22 miles of the coast
storms were documented when others were not)

October 4, 1849
tornado struck in Seaside Park

December 1916
ship wreck, fog caused Army transport

March 11, 1888
blizzard, three to four feet of snow
80 mile per hour winds

June 17, 1893
hurricane, 77 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 108 miles of the coast

(note: hurricanes were not named)

August 24, 1893
hurricane, 98 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 31 miles off the coast

August 29, 1893
hurricane, 81 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 77 miles off the coast

October 10, 1894
hurricane, 74 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 23 miles off the coast

September 16, 1903
hurricane, 84 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 13 miles off the coast

September 15, 1904
hurricane 75 mile per house winds
eye passed within 22 miles off the coast

June 1906
hail storm

December 1916
ship wreck, fog caused Army transport to strike
Barnegat Light coast at 12th Street with 400 troops on board

May 1925
hail storm

June 1, 1927
earthquake, fault in Asbury Park, three tremors that measured
between 3.8 and 5.3 on the Richter Scale, damages reported

as far South as Toms River

September 17, 1933
hurricane, 85 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 109 miles off the coast

September 8, 1934
hurricane, 77 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 50 miles off the coast

Winter 1935-1936
Ice storms, ravaged Ocean county with ice reported as thick
as 37 inches, fisherman report seeing icebergs off the coast
of Long Beach Island in June.

September 18, 1936
hurricane, 98 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 51 miles off the coast
(note: waters warmed very rapidly once summer arrived in 1936)

May 6, 1937
air crash, Hindenburg crashed at Lakehurst, two thirds of the
96 passengers survived

September 21, 1938
hurricane, 101 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 83 miles off the coast

1941 (date unknown)
tornado struck Seaside Park

September 14, 1944
Hurricane, 96 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 47 miles off the coast

December 1947
blizzard

August 14, 1953
Hurricane Barbara, 86 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 85 off the coast

(note: hurricanes are now named)

August 31, 1954
Hurricane Carol, 98 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 63 miles off the coast

September 11, 1954
Hurricane Edna, 104 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 114 miles off the coast
(note: two hurricane in twelve days!)

October, 1954
Hurricane Hazel, 80 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 125 miles off the coast

August 10, 1955
Hurricane Connie, 72 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 125 miles off the coast

August 19, 1955
Hurricane Diane, 73 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 65 miles off the coast
(note: two hurricanes in nine days!)

February 1958
blizzard

August 29, 1958
Hurricane Daisy, 126 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 124 miles off the coast

September 12, 1960
Hurricane Donna, 108 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 124 miles off the coast

March 6-8, 1962
Nor'Easter, five high tides over three days, 73 mile per hour winds,
Long Beach Island became five islands when the ocean and the bay met,
Harvey Cedars suffered the most damage on the entire east coast, more
than fifty percent of the structures in Harvey Cedars were destroyed,
Seventy-ninth Streety where the ocean met the bay left a crevice sixty
to seventy feet wide and more than twenty feet deep, the US Destroyer
being towed from Bayonne to Newport, Rhode Island ended up on the South
end of Long Beach Island when the cable broke, three fishing trawlers out of
Point Pleasant Beach never returned, Southern Regional High School was the
largest public shelter and housed 1,200 people and served eight thousand
meals and two thousand sandwiches "to go", more than four thousand homes
in New Jersey were destroyed, there were ten deaths in New Jersey, there
were in Long Beach Township including Police Chief Leonetti, Township
Commissioner Kenneth Chipman and Robert Osborne who owned a news agency.

April 1963
forest fires consumed thousands of acres of Pinelands in the County

September 16, 1967
Hurricane Doria, 81 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 113 miles off the coast

Summer, 1969
civil unrest and riots in Lakewood

March through May, 1971
forest fires consumed thousands of acres of Pinelands in the County

Summer, 1971
Civil unrest and riots in Lakewood

April, 1973
plane crash in residential area of Brick Township, six people killed

August 10, 1976
Hurricane Belle, 98 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 43 miles off the coast

December 5, 1976
plane crash struck church on Route 9 in Lacey Township

March through May, 1977
forest fires consumed thousands of acres of Pinelands in Ocean County

February 6, 1978
blizzard

January, 1979
blizzard

Summer 1981
tornado struck in Holiday City at Berkeley and Silver Ridge Park in Berkeley
Township, ninety-seven homes damaged or destroyed, no one killed

July 27, 1983
tornado struck Long Beach Island

March, 1984
nor'easter, both the northern barrier Island and Long Beach Island suffered
damages, four homes suffered major damage

September 27, 1985
Hurricane Gloria, 99 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 26 miles off the coast

Spring, 1988
tornado struck and damaged eleven homes on K Court in Seaside Park

August 18, 1991
Hurricane Bob, 115 mile per hour winds
eye passed within 74 miles off the coast

October 31, 1991
Nor'easter surprised forecasters

December 11, 1992
nor'easter stalled and remained through eleven high tides, millions
of dollars worth of damages

May 5, 1992
forest fire in Lacey Township caused the Oyster Creek Nuclear Station
to declare an "alert" emergency classification for the first time
because it knocked out the backup generator system.

Spring, 1995
forest fire spread from Manchester Township through Berkeley, Lacey and

Ocean Townships and threatened Barnegat Township

January to March, 1996
blizzards and snowstorms
January 7-8, 22 inches of snow
February 2, 8-9 inches of snow
February 7, one half inch of snow
February 13, one half inch of snow
February 16, 7 1/2 inches of snow
March 2, 3 inches of snow
March 7, 2 1/2 inches of snow

July 3-7, 1999
power outages

August 5, 1999
drought emergency

August 20, 1999
tornado strikes Long Beach Island, damages hotel

September 17, 1999
Hurricane Floyd does more damage to interior New Jersey than coastline

September 29-November 10, 2000
hazardous materials incident, Reade Manufacturing in Manchester, one man killed,
one injured, took seven days to identify chemical, elementary school closed for
thirty days, seventeen homes evacuated for seven days, forty day incident

November 1, 2000
medical health emergency declared due to West Nile Virus

September 11, 2001
terrorist attack on World Trade Center Towers in New York City, many from
Ocean County impacted, support provided for personnel and equipment

Fall of 2001 through Winter of 2002
Anthrax contamination in other parts of the state and the country cause a number of
anthrax reports in Ocean County - all were proven unfounded

February 17, 2003
Snowstorm producing ten inches of snow falls on President's Day and caused it
to be one of the costliest disasters in the history of Ocean County

June 2, 2003
Forest fire in Berkeley township and Beachwood destroys one home and
damages two dozen more.

Safety Tips for Hurricanes

For those who haven't felt the force of a hurricane -

It was pleasant - a breezy Indian Summer evening. As the hurricane approached the beautiful bay,
long time residents sat on their patios and sipped tall drinks. The last hurricane was only a dim
twenty-two year old memory. The storms broke their once-every-six-year average of hitting the
coast long ago. When they did hit, it never amounted to more than a splash of water blown up to
the property lines or porch steps. Evacuate in response to local official's warnings and radio
announcements? Why bother? They were having too much fun!

But by morning the bridge was out. They were stuck. Record winds shredded their homes splinter
by splinter, as they cowered in upper floor back bedrooms, hiding under mattresses.

They tried to concentrate on shutter less flashbacks of their lives as they waited in terror for the end.
Then the storm surge plowed inland, its giant wind-driven waves over twenty feet high, strewing
devastation, and finishing what the wind had started.

This could happen to you.

Enter the season prepared -

If you live in a coastal area, identify your evacuation route. Your community's evacuation plan
includes designated safe areas, areas to be evacuated during a hurricane emergency, and safe
evacuation routes to shelter. Get information on emergency planning in your area by contacting
your local emergency management office.

Hurricanes can cause extensive flooding, not just along the coastline, but far inland as well. Flood 
insurance is valuable financial protection. You should be aware, however, that your homeowner's
policy does not cover damage from flooding.  Check the availability of flood insurance through the
National Flood Insurance Program by contacting your local insurance agent or broker.

Your annual preparations for the hurricane season should include checking to see that you have a
supply of non-perishable food, drinking water containers, waterproof matches, a lantern with fuel, a
first aid kit, fire extinguisher, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.

Advisories and warnings -

Thanks to modern detection and tracking devices, the National Weather Service can usually
provide twelve to twenty-four hours of advance warning.  Advisories are issued by the Weather
Service of NOAA when hurricanes approach land.

A "hurricane watch" is issued whenever a hurricane becomes a threat to coastal areas.  Everyone
in the area covered by the "watch" should listen for further advisories and be prepared to act
promptly if a hurricane warning or evacuation order is issued.

"A "hurricane warning" is issued when hurricane winds of seventy-four miles an hour or higher, or a
combination of dangerously high water and very rough seas, are expected in a specific coastal area
within twenty-four hours.  Precautionary actions should begin immediately.


LEAVE EARLY - from low-lying beach areas that may be swept by high tides or storm waves.
Leave mobile homes for more substantial shelter - they are particularly vulnerable to overturning in
strong winds.

BE AWARE - that some areas my flood long before the arrival of the storm. Your escape
may be further complicated by the fact that the high density of population of some areas my require
evacuation orders to be issued earlier than one day before the storm's arrival. Don't get caught by
the hurricane in your car on an open coastal road.

If local government officials advises evacuation of your area, DO SO IMMEDIATELY.  Keep your car
radio on to listen for further instructions, such as road closures and the location of emergency public
shelters.

Getting ready for the hurricane -

Keep tuned to a local radio or television station for the latest National Weather Service advisories as
well as special instructions from your local officials.

Check battery-powered equipment. Your battery-operated radio could be your only source of
information, and flashlights will be needed if utility services are interrupted. Buy extra batteries.

Keep your car fueled should evacuation be necessary. Some service stations may be closed or
inoperable after the storm strikes.

Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils as your town's water
system could be contaminated or damaged by the storm. You should have a gallon of water per
family member for a minimum of three days.

Obtain extra prescription medications and medical supplies. You should have a minimum of three
days supply.

Board up windows or protect them with storm shutters. Windows are broken mainly from
wind-driven debris. Wind pressure may break large windows, garage doors and double entry doors.

Secure outdoor objects that might become caught in the wind. Garbage cans, garden tools, toys,
signs, lawn and deck furniture, lawn ornaments, and a number of other harmless items may become
deadly missiles in hurricane force winds.

Moor your boat securely well before the storm arrives, or move it to a designated safe area early.  Do
not stay on your boat or you may drown.

If you live inland away from the beaches and low-lying coastal areas, your home is well constructed, and your local authorities have not called for evacuation in your area, stay home and make emergency preparations.

Be alert for tornado watches and warnings as tornados are frequently spawned by hurricanes.
Should your area receive a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately in an interior bathroom or
small hallway, preferably below ground level.


During the hurricane -

Remain indoors during the hurricane. Blowing debris can injure and kill. Travel is extremely
dangerous. Be especially wary of the "eye" of the hurricane.  If the storm center passes directly"
overhead, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from a few minutes to half-an-hour or more.  At the 
other side of the "eye" the winds will increase rapidly to hurricane force, and will come from the
opposite direction.

After the hurricane has passed -

If you are in a public shelter, remain there until you are informed by those in charge that it is safe to
leave.

Keep tuned to your local radio or television station for advice and instructions from local government
"about emergency medical, food, housing, and other forms of assistance.

Stay out of disaster areas which could be dangerous and where your presence will interfere with
essential rescue and recovery work. Do not use the telephone except for rescue, serious injuries or
emergencies.

Do not drive unless you must. Roads should be left clear for emergency vehicles and debris filled
streets are dangerous. Along the coast, soil may be washed from beneath the pavement or bridge
supports, which could collapse under the weight of a car.

Avoid loose or dangling wires, and report them to your power company or local police or fire
department. Report broken sewer, gas, or water mains to the appropriate utility company or service
authority.

Prevent fires. Do not use candles if at all possible. Check buildings for possible collapse or
weakened structure before re-entry.

Hurricanes moving inland can cause severe flooding. Stay away from river banks and streams until
all potential flooding is past.

If power is off, check refrigerated food for spoilage. Do not use tap or well water until you are sure
that it is not contaminated.


Power Outages

Whether a power outage in your home is caused by grid failure or severe weather, you can take the
following steps to prepare and respond.  Include power outages in your family disaster plan,
identifying alternate means of transportation and routes to home, school or work.

Keep extra cash on hand since an extended power outage may prevent you from withdrawing money
automated teller machines or banks.

Keep a supply of non-perishable foods, medicine, baby supplies and pet food as appropriate on
hand. You should have a water supply of one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of
three days on hand as well.  These items should be replaced every six months.

Avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer. Food should be safe as long as the outage does not last
for more than four to six hours.

Have one or more coolers for cold food storage, in case the power is prolonged.  Perishable foods
should not be stored for more than two hours above forty degrees Fahrenheit.

Have an emergency power supply for anyone dependent upon medical equipment requiring
electricity.

Keep a supply of flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio on hand. Do not use candles,
if at all possible, as they can pose a fire hazard.

Connect only individual appliances to portable generators and never plug a generator into wall
outlets.

Use gas-powered generators in only well ventilated areas.

When driving, be careful at intersections - traffic lights may be out, creating a dangerous situation.

Turn off any electrical equipment that was in use prior to the power outage.

Turn off all but one light. (One light will alert you when power resumes.)

Check on elderly neighbors, friends or relatives who may need assistance during the outage.

During a power outage, resist the temptation to call 9-1-1 for information - that is what your battery
powered radio is for.  Don't plug emergency generators into electric outlets or hook them directly into
your home's electrical system - as they can feed electricity back into the power lines, putting you
and line workers in danger.  Keep your car fuel tank at least half full (gas stations rely on electricity
to power their pumps.)  When power is restored, wait a few minutes before turning on major
appliances to help eliminate further problems caused by a sharp increase in demand.


Floods


Flooding causes more than ninety percent of the disaster related property damage in the United
States each year.  Preparation is the key to surviving a flood and reducing property damage.

Insurance

Most homeowner policies do not cover flood damage. To determine your flood risk, contact your
local emergency management coordinator.

Remember that there is a thirty day waiting period before a flood insurance policy coverage goes
into effect.

Take inventory of all personal items (including model types, serial numbers, photo graphs, and
descriptions.  Place all important documents in a water resistant and fire proof box.

You may need a National Flood Insurance Policy coverage even if you do not reside in a high risk
flood zone. Check with your personal insurance agent or broker.

Home

Elevate your utilities (e.g. electrical service panel and disconnects, air conditioning unit, water
heater, etc.) a minimum of two to three above the base flood elevation.  Only a professional
license contractor should carry out changes that affect the structure of your home or its electrical
wiring and plumbing.

If you have a fuel tank, anchor it to a large concrete slab whose weight can resist the force of
floodwaters and flotation.

Install sewer backflow valves to prevent sewage entry into your home.

Safety

Obtain a battery powered weather radio and pay attention to the latest information when unusually
heavy rains occur or are forecast to occur.

Pay attention to flash flood and river flood watches and warnings are issued by the National
Weather Service.

Never drive your vehicle through flood waters.  It may be deeper than you realize and you could be
trapped in your vehicle.


Wildfires

You can help defend your property from wildfire damage with a little bit of work over the weekend.


Remove:
Dry vegetation, such as dead grass and leaves WITHIN THIRTY FEET of your home.
Tree branches WITHIN TEN FEET of your chimneys.
Branches WITHIN SIX TO TEN FEET of the ground.
Firewood WITHIN FIFTY FEET of your home.
Thick beds of pine needles WITHIN TEN 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 one thousand 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.

Winter Freeze

Winter storms pose serious threats to people, pets and property.  Extreme cold, freezing rain, snow
and strong winds can be especially dangerous.  Take precautions to protect your family and your
home.

Before the storm:

Keep space heaters away from flammable materials, NEVER leave them unattended.

Bring pets indoors.

When using supplemental heating sources such as fireplaces, kerosene space heaters, make sure
you have proper ventilation and a carbon monoxide detector in place. Always take your space
heater outside to fill it.

Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.  Replace the batteries every six months.

Move all vehicles inside the garage if possible.  Never leave a vehicle running with the garage doors
down.

Prepare an emergency survival kit: battery powered radio, blankets and sleeping bags, first aid
supplies, flashlights, extra batteries, medications and baby items, a three day supply of water and
non-perishable food, pet items.

Insulate all exposed water pipes outside the home.


During the storm:

Stay inside.

Close off unoccupied rooms in the home.

DO NOT use charcoal burning devices.

Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers as needed to avoid
overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.

Set the thermostat in your house no lower than fifty-five degrees.

Allow a slow trickle of water to flow especially if the faucet is on an exterior wall. (Be sure both the
hot and cold water faucets are flowing.)

Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes and appliances near exterior walls.

Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and eat high caloric foods.


After the storm:

Never try to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame or torch. Shut off water and call a licensed
plumber.

Clear walkways and sidewalks to prevent injury, but use caution to avoid overexertion.

Identify possible damage to your home.

Report damage, such as broken pipes and downed tree branches or power lines to the utility
company, if appropriate.  Avoid the area to prevent personal injury.

Do not drive unless the roads have been cleared by snow plows. If you need transportation for a
critical medical treatment (i.e.. cancer treatment, dialysis, etc.) or a critical prescription filled, call the Ocean County Sheriff's Department, Office of Emergency Management at (732) 341-3451 or
toll free (800) 331-8152.

For additional information regarding disasters or emergencies in Ocean County
contact the Ocean County Sheriff's Department, Office of Emergency Management
(732) 341-3451 or (800) 331-8152
oceancountyemergencymanagement@co.ocean.nj.us