MYFOXNY.COM -
Mayor Cory A. Booker and other administrative officials announced that Newark is preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy. City officials urge residents to take precautions and be prepared with a family emergency plan.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says that emergency personnel are preparing all along the coast, bracing for high tides, wide-spread flooding, and 74 to 100 mile an hour wind gusts are expected on Monday.
Newark will open a temporary shelter for persons displaced from their homes by Hurricane Sandy at the John F. Kennedy Recreation Center, in Newark's Central Ward. The center is located at 211 West Kinney Street, with the entrance on Howard Street.
"Newark is ready for Hurricane Sandy. Our own emergency operations team has secured shelters, emergency response equipment and making sure, if the storm hits, we're ready. My Administration's top priority is to make sure residents are prepared. Natural disasters can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. I urge Newark residents to learn how to protect themselves and their families by following the safety instructions provided by the city," said Mayor Booker.
Newark's Non-Emergency Call Center will be available starting at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday and will remain open until further notice. Residents can report hurricane-related incidents or concerns to (973) 733-4311. For continuous information on hurricane safety tips and updates, residents can also tune to NWK-TV, Channel 78, the City's Government Access Channel. City Hall and all municipal agencies will be open at their normal hours on Monday, October 29.
Mayor Booker has urged residents to check on their neighbors, especially the elderly; to be sure they have the proper supplies and protection during the hurricane. Booker also advised residents not to drive their vehicles into flooded streets and to move their parked cars from areas that are subject to flooding in advance of the anticipated hurricane.
The City of Newark recommends the following safety measures to prepare for a hurricane:
- Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8" marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
- Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
- Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
- Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
- Consider building a safe room.
- Prepare a basic emergency supply kit which contains one gallon of water per person and food for at least three days, prescription medication for three days, a non-electric can opener, moist towelettes, garbage bags, flashlights and extra batteries, a battery-powered to receive weather reports, local maps, a first aid kit and a whistle to signal for help.
If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:
- Listen to the radio or TV for information.
- Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
- Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
- Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
- The City of Newark will provide drinking water quality updates to residents.
You should evacuate under the following conditions:
- If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
- If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure-such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.
- If you live in a high-rise building-hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
- If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
- If you feel you are in danger.
If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:
- Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
- Close all interior doors-secure and brace external doors.
- Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.
- Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
- Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
- First aid kit and manual.
- Emergency food and water.
- Non electric can opener.
- Essential medicines.
- Cash and credit cards.
- Sturdy shoes.
Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
- In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
- Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Any non-emergency questions regarding police and fire matters can be directed to (973) 733-6000. For information about all City of Newark programs, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.
