Jersey Shore gears up for Hurricane Florence
BELMAR, New Jersey (WABC) -- New Jersey shore towns are making preparations for Hurricane Florence, encourage residents to take precautions.
Governor Phil Murphy held a news conference Tuesday afternoon to outline the steps being taken across the state to protect shorelines and prepare for beach erosion and flooding.
"As Hurricane Florence approaches our shore, we encourage all residents to prepare and take precautions," Murphy said. "Our first concern is public safety, and we will continue to monitor the storm and make preparations to ensure all residents are safe and secure."
New Jersey State Police Superintendent and State Director of Emergency Management Colonel Patrick Callahan stressed the importance of connecting the public with reliable information sources to further assist them in their individual preparedness plans.
"Events such as Superstorm Sandy have taught us that awareness and preparedness saves lives," he said. "We encourage everyone to prepare today. Make time with your family to build a kit, a go-bag and create a communication plan."
Belmar is among a host of Jersey Shore towns gearing up for the monster storm, which is expected to have its biggest impact Thursday.
The Carolinas are expected to bear the brunt of the hurricane, but officials are still advising residents to move vehicles to higher ground.
Residents are also urged to secure property and loose articles that may become airborne in high winds, including trash cans, patio furniture and grills, and stock up on bottled water, sufficient medications and flashlights should they be needed.
The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the conditions of the hurricane and are working with counties to address any storm related needs.
More Tips:
Make an emergency kit: Emergency kits will allow individuals and families to survive several days without access to food, water or electricity. Emergency kits should include at least a three to five day supply of non-perishable food and water, prescription medications for up to two weeks if available, baby supplies, pet supplies and any additional items for special medical needs such as an extra pair of eye glasses and batteries for hearing aids. Your kit should also include important phone numbers for doctors as well as car cell-phone chargers. While gathering your emergency kit, pack a go-bag for your family as well. Your family go-bag should be something such as a duffle bag or gym bag that is easily accessible so you can grab it and go in the event that a fireman or police officer knocks on your door and tells you to evacuate immediately. These bags should include items such as prescription medication, food, water, extra clothing, and copies of important documents and phone numbers to get you through the first few critical days.
Make an emergency plan: Make plans with family and friends in case you're not together when any type of emergency -- natural, technological or man-made - occurs. Discuss how you will contact each other, where you will meet and what you will do in different situations. Become familiar with your town's evacuation routes.
CLICK HERE for the New Jersey Hurricane Survival Guide.
For more information, visit ready.nj.gov.
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