Current forecasts from the National Weather Service indicate Hurricane Sandy, which will likely return to tropical storm status as it makes its way north, could bring more than 5 inches of rain wind gusts from 50 to 70 mph to our area.

“We are closely monitoring this storm and are working with representatives from all critical agencies, including area hospitals, to open lines of communication and are putting in place all of the necessary emergency preparedness plans,” said Mayor Healy. “While we continue to monitor this storm and the varying models and possible paths, we will keep our residents apprised of any and all necessary steps should an evacuation become necessary.”

Mayor Healy noted that the city has updated its evacuation routes and has evacuation plans in place should evacuation become necessary. Additionally, valuable lessons have been learned from last yearâ€s Hurricane Irene, in which mandatory evacuations were called for low-lying areas.”

Because this storm has the potential to impact Jersey City, we want to ensure that our residents know the proper places to go for information and to keep abreast of this ever-changing situation, ” said Mayor Healy . “Like during Irene, our City website, Facebok page, Twitter account, and Channel One television station will be used as a means to communicate with residents. We will also continually reach out to the media to provide updates as we have them.”

Like last year, should an emergency evacuation become necessary, the Office of Emergency Management has established transportation to emergency shelters at set locations. Residents, however, should not wait until Sunday, however, to pack their belongings, but should rather put together an emergency bag that can be taken with them should they need to relocate.

Based on information from the State Office of Emergency Management, Jersey City OEM officialsexpect to make a determination by Sunday regarding mandatory evacuations. At that time, emergency officials will also notify residents if it intends to activate the emergency shelters. Notifications will be made via the city â€s emergency notification system (C-3), the City website, the City Channel One,

the City Facebook page, the City Twitter account, and other social media sites.

Residents who park their vehicles underground or in low-lying areas are being told to move their vehicles to higher ground in anticipation of the storm. Municipal parking lots will be available for parking beginning Sunday through Tuesday without meter enforcement. City emergency and public works vehicles will be staged at key locations throughout the city on Friday in advance of the storm.

Currently, city officials – who have been monitoring Hurricane Sandy closely – are asking residents to remove any items that could become projectiles as a result of high winds, including patio furniture, grills, construction equipment, and bicycles. Inspectors from the Building Department and the Engineering Division have been in contact with all construction sites to notify them to remove any construction materials from worksites and roadways.

OEM officials are encouraging residents to have a preparedness kit ready with batteries, water, flashlights, and charged cell phones, as well as any immediate supplies such as food, medicines, and important papers. Senior citizens and residents who take medications daily should fill their prescriptions now in advance of the storm.

The MUA, in conjunction with the JCIA, is currently clearing catch basis and sewers of debris to allow the water to go down during the storm. If there is a catch basin on your street that is covered with debris or garbage, please be a good neighbor and assist the city by clearing that catch basin.

Anyone who would like to report a clogged catch basin can call the MUA at (201) 432-1150. The MUA has also purchased several high capacity pumps to be located in strategic locations throughout the City to alleviate flooding should that occur.

The City has acquired 14,000 sandbags from the Army Corps of Engineers and will be distributing sandbags and sand from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at two locations – the Municipal Lot on Montgomery and Orchard Street and at PS #40 at Ocean and Gates Avenues. While there will be limited assistance available, residents will be asked to bring a shovel and fill their own bags if possible.

You may need to survive on your own after a severe emergency. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might take days. In addition, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra

batteries for both Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit

Whistle to signal for help Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

Local maps

Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

EVACUATION ROUTES:

EAST DISTRICT

DIRECTION TO HEAD INTO

Montgomery Street        (West)

Christopher Columbus Drive  (West)

Grand Street   (West)

14th Street  (West)

Philips Street    South

NJ Turnpike  South West

Pacific Avenue -South

WEST DISTRICT

Summit Avenue                            North

Rt. 440                                          North

Kennedy Blvd                             North

Communipaw Ave                   West

Belmont Ave                             West

Sip Ave                                       West

NORTH DISTRICT

RT 1/9                        North

Kennedy Blvd           North

Palisade Ave            North

Manhattan Ave      West

Secaucus Road        West

Depressed Highway    West
SOUTH DISTRICT

Ocean Avenue               North

Garfield Avenue             North

Kennedy Blvd               North

Danforth Ave                 North

Culver Ave                    West

Audubon Ave                West

Rt.169                            South
Rt.185                            South

(North)

(North)

(North)

(North)

(West)

(West)

(South)

(South)

To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSE&Gâ€s Customer Service line at

1-800-436-PSEG.

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

Prescription medications and glasses

Infant formula and diapers

Pet food and extra water for your pet

Cash or traveler†s checks and change

Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank  account records in a waterproof, portable container.

Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov.

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.

Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper

– When diluted nine parts water to one part

bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water

by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented,

color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

Fire Extinguisher

Matches in a waterproof container

Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels

Paper and pencil

PETS & SHELTER ANIMALS

Liberty Humane Society (LHS) is already taking precautions to safe guard their animals. LHS will have staff at the shelter to monitor the situation. If needed, Jersey City Animal Control Division is prepared to accommodate their evacuation needs as well as any of our residents by using the Jersey City Office of Emergency Management Mobile Animal Rescue trailer. This trailer will be hooked up to an animal control vehicle and will remove any at risk animals to higher ground. If needed, *CART would be activated by the Hudson County Office of Emergency Management in the case of a large scale disaster in the county (terrorism, apartment building fire, hurricane, etc.).

Additionally, if shelters are activated, the city will be opening a shelter where residents with pets can go.

*The Hudson County Animal Response Team (CART) is an all-volunteer group working under the direction of the Office of Emergency Management and in cooperation with the American Red Cross to implement a disaster plan for Hudson Countyâ€s animals.

For Pet Owners in case they have to evacuate with their pet(s):

A quick pet checklist:

One crate or pet carrier large enough that your pet can stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. (Remember, this may be your petâ€s home for many days.)

Medical records, veterinary contact information, and any medication your pet may need.

Current photos and description of your pets.

At least one weekâ€s supply of food, water, and litter.

(Food should be stored in plastic, airtight containers.

A kitty litter scooper. Small, plastic bags for waste disposal, cleaning

A sturdy leash, collar/harness

A manual can-opener

Grooming items

Newspaper for cage lining, paper towels, and household bleach for cleaning

Pet toys and bedding to reduce stress

A kitty litter scooper

Contact these local groups for further information and assistance for animals:

Jersey City Animal Control 201-547-4888

The Liberty Humane Society 201 547-4147

Assistance for Hudson County Hudson County Animal League 201 200-1008

For more information on Hurricane Irene, please continue to visit the city website at

www.jerseycitynj.gov  and the city Facebook page.

The post Jersey City OEM Announces Emergency Preparedness Plans for Hurricane Sandy first appeared on River View Observer.