Simple Prep Steps for Storm – UPDATED 1

Known as Hurricane Sandy, the storm heading up the east coast is threatening to become a hybrid tropical storm and a nor’easter.

This has combination has led to the term “Frankenstorm” being applied, and local authorities are advising residents to take precautions.

While there are no alerts yet for the Bergen County area, Franklin Lakes officials are e-blasting residents to assure they are aware of the weather threats which may impact our area starting on Sunday evening.

Wyckoff has e-blasted residents similar information, and they have included a checklist prepared by LT. Murphy of the Wyckoff Police Department on behalf of the OEM.

For power outages, please contact the following:
PSE&G Electric: 1-800-436-PSEG(7734)
Orange & Rockland: 1-877-434-4100
If you have not done so already, it is important to ensure you:

• -Check your family’s emergency supply kit – make certain you have food, water, medications, and other necessities to sustain you, your family and family pets for at least 72 hours.
• -Follow the direction of local officials –evacuation orders may be issued by officials, so follow their guidance.
• -Keep up to date with local conditions – follow TV and radio reports from your area, or visit www.weather.gov (http://mobile.weather.gov/ on your phone) for the latest forecast.
• -Remember food safety – power outages and flooding may happen as a result of a tropical storm or hurricane, so have a plan for keeping food safe. Have a cooler on hand to keep food cold, and group food together in the freezer so it stays cold longer.
• -Have an adequate communication plan – be sure friends and family know how to contact you. Teach family members how to use text messaging as text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call can’t get through.

Keep in mind, hurricanes bring heavy rains, storm surges, and possible flooding events. Avoid walking or driving through any flooded areas – it takes only six inches of fast-moving flood water to knock over an adult and two feet to move a vehicle. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

The entire Wyckoff checklist and resources can be found by clicking here.

Additional safety steps residents make take prior to the storm are:

• – Charge all cell phones
• – Check flashlights, check batteries
• – Fill car gas tank.
• – Assure sump pumps are working correctly and lines are clear.

Links:
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/10/hurricane_sandy_questions_and.html

From the Borough of Oakland:

Emergency Information Related to Hurricane Sandy

The tri-state area is expected to feel the impact of a dangerous coastal storm, possibly as early as Sunday evening through Wednesday morning. The current forecast includes potential for heavy rainfall and significant river flooding, high winds causing power outages and falling trees.

Our Emergency Services personnel having been making preparations and are ready to deal with the effects of the storm. Residents are urged to take all necessary precautions.

For help in an emergency, call 911. If non-emergency assistance is needed, call the Police Department at 201-337-6171. Medical personnel requiring transportation to hospitals or medical centers should also use this number for assistance.

It is unknown at this time whether activities on Halloween, Wednesday October 31st will be affected by this storm. For up to date information call the Oakland Flood Hotline at 201-337-0130, go to the Borough website, www.oakland-nj.org and view local online news services.