Lawrence Township Prepares for Hurricane Irene

With forecasters predicting that Hurricane Irene could have a significant impact on New Jersey this weekend, local, county and state emergency management officials are closely following the track of the storm and urging residents to take steps now to prepare for the worst.

“We want Mercer County residents to be as prepared as possible for whatever conditions may occur due to this predicted storm,” Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said. “Severe rain and flooding can always carry risks, and adequately preparing your home or business ahead of time can save lives and property.”

Jack Oakley, emergency management coordinator for Lawrence Township, said township officials currently have a meeting scheduled for 9:30 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 26), at which they will discuss the township’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) to make sure Lawrence is prepared for whatever Irene throws at it.

Among those who will be in attendance at that meeting will be representatives of the township’s health, public works and police departments, as well as Township Manager Richard Krawczun, Fire Marshal Dale Robbins and township Fire Coordinator Richard Soltis.

As part of Lawrence Township’s EOP, various buildings have been pre-identified in different geographic areas of town that can be used as emergency shelters should it become necessary for residents to be evacuated from their homes for any length of time before, during or after the storm, Oakley said. These buildings – such as the township’s three firehouses – have emergency generators in the event of a wide-spread power outage.

But because there are so many variables that will affect the hurricane’s route and intensity before it hits New Jersey sometime Saturday evening or early Sunday, and because some parts of town may be impacted differently by the storm, it is “premature” to issue specific evacuation instructions now, Oakley said.

Specific direction will be given as the storm grows closer, and the township will make use of its reverse 911 system to relay important information to residents. For that reason, Oakley urged residents to be sure they have signed up for Lawrence Township’s emergency notification system. Residents can enter their home phone and cell phone numbers and email addresses to receive timely voice, text and email messages in the event of an emergency like an evacuation or a "boil water" advisory.

In addition to ensuring that the potential evacuation shelters are ready, township officials at their meeting tomorrow will confirm arrangements that are already in place with local bus companies so that vehicles will be available should they be needed to transport evacuees to shelters, Oakley said.

Also, as the storm approaches, public works employees will “pre-deploy” road barricades to areas of the town that are susceptible to flooding, such as Princeton Pike near the Shabakunk Creek.

Oakley urged residents to consult the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management’s “Family Preparedness for Hurricanes” guide for advice on how best to get ready for the approaching storm. Among the suggestions he reiterated were stocking up on bottled water and batteries for flashlights, and having a portable battery-operated radio available to listen to weather updates and warnings in the event of a power outage.

For those who own or are considering purchasing their own gasoline generators, Oakley cautioned that such devices never be run indoors because of the deadly carbon monoxide gas they give off. He said generators should be run outdoors and away from windows and other openings that could allow the poisonous fumes to enter the home.  

Along those lines, it’s a good idea before the storm to test the batteries in residential smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, he said. Homeowners who have only hard-wired alarm systems should consider installing battery-powered devices to serve as a backup during power outages.

Oakley said any Lawrence Township resident with questions about storm preparations can call him at (609) 844-7113.

Hughes said the significant amounts of rain and strong winds being predicted for the weekend will likely cause flooding to roads and basements, topple trees and pull down electrical wires.

“Hurricanes, like all weather events are not always predictable. But your family’s emergency plan should never be a guessing game. I urge families to develop a preparedness kit,” Hughes said.

He said the best way Mercer County residents can assist emergency responders during the storm is by “sheltering in place,” which means to stay indoors, with friends or family, and venture out only unless there is an emergency.

Mercer County’s Highway Department, Hughes said, is inspecting equipment – such as arrow boards, light towers, pumps and generators – to ensure everything is functioning properly and will be ready for the storm. They are also inspecting and cleaning storm drain covers and sweeping debris from roads in flood-prone areas.

The following storm-preparation advice is from the Mercer County administration and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management:

Emergency Supplies for Your Home

• Three days’ supply of canned, non-perishable, ready-to-eat FOOD
• Three days’ supply of WATER (a total of three gallons per family member)
• Battery-operated RADIO and extra batteries
• FLASHLIGHT and extra batteries
• One week’s prescription MEDICATIONS
• FIRST AID KIT
• Personal TOILETRIES
• Non-electric CAN OPENER and UTENSILS
• SPECIAL NEEDS items: INFANT care items; items for ELDERLY family members; items for relatives with DISABILITIES
• CASH or TRAVELERS CHECKS
• Store important DOCUMENTS in a waterproof, safe location

In Case You Need to Evacuate

• Keep a half-gallon of GAS at all times
• Every family member must carry CONTACT INFORMATION for all phone numbers at work, school, etc. for every family member, and the name and number of a relative who lives out-of-state to call in case your family gets separated.

“Make A Plan” For Yourself, Your Family or Your Business

• Meet with the members of your household or office
• Talk about the types of disasters that are most likely to happen in your area
• Take time to explain the dangers of emergency incidents to children
• Discuss why everyone needs to prepare for a disaster
• Address any special needs concerns in the event of an emergency
• Build an emergency contact phone list
• Make provisions for pets
• Remember to establish and share emergency incident responsibilities
• Emphasize that teamwork and staying calm are key