Are You Ready for Hurricane Season?

Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes advises residents to plan and prepare for possible tropical storms this summer and fall. 

The hurricane season usually runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, but the peak time for hurricane and tropical storm activity in New Jersey is mid-August through the end of October. When they approach land, tropical storms and hurricanes can be extremely deadly and destructive—even as far inland as Mercer County.

“Our residents and businesses have felt the effects of a major storm two years in a row – with Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012 -- so no one should take the prospect of such an event lightly,” Hughes said. “It’s important that people be prepared for a storm of that magnitude and not risk putting themselves in harm’s way by waiting until the last minute.”

Hughes suggests taking the following steps in preparation for hurricane season:

• Put together a kit of emergency supplies that includes a three-day supply of canned, non-perishable, ready-to-eat food; a three-day supply of water (a total of 3 gallons per family member); a battery-operated radio and extra batteries; a flashlight and extra batteries; and a first aid kit.
• Make a plan for what you and your family will do during an emergency. Know how to evacuate and how to “shelter in place,” which means stay home and avoid driving if at all possible.
• Stay informed of possible threats by tuning in to your local media outlets (including Patch!) for the latest breaking weather news. Also register for the Alert-MercerCounty emergency notification system by clicking here.

For more information on how to prepare for hurricane season, click here.