How to Prepare for Hurricane Season

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by the Mercer County administration.

As the peak period for hurricane and tropical storm activity in New Jersey arrives, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes advises County residents to plan and prepare for potential storms.

The hurricane season usually runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, but the peak time is mid-August through the end of October. And the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season with as many as five to eight hurricanes, two or three of which could become major hurricanes.

When they approach land, tropical storms and hurricanes can be extremely deadly and destructive - even as far inland as Mercer County.

“If we needed further evidence that Mercer County is vulnerable to the torrential rains and strong winds that accompany tropical storms and hurricanes, the heavy toll exacted on us by Irene last summer was certainly it,” Hughes said. “It’s important that residents 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 residents consider taking the following precautions:

• 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 (three 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. This includes knowing 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 for the latest breaking weather news. Also register for the Alert-MercerCounty emergency notification system at https://mercercounty.onthealert.com.

The State Office of Emergency Management has prepared a “Hurricane Survival Guide for New Jersey” that can be found by clicking here.