Burlington County: be prepared for Hurricane Sandy

Burlington County Freeholders are urging residents to spend the weekend preparing for Hurricane Sandy, which the National Weather Service announced will impact this area beginning Sunday.

“Due to the impending super-storm, the dams along the creeks have been opened to lower the level of water in the creeks to help prevent flooding,” said Freeholder Bruce Garganio. “With the water levels lowered, canoeing and kayaking will be extremely difficult and some areas will not be passable. In addition, the forecast for Sunday calls for rain and chilly temperatures. Because of this, we have decided it was in everyone’s best interest to cancel the Fall Float Festival and encourage our residents to use that time to prepare for the storm.”

The Burlington County Office of Emergency Management suggests:

Have disaster supplies on hand:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Non-perishable (canned food) and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes

Prepare the Outside of your Home:

• Trim branches away from your home and cut all dead or weak branches on any trees on your property.
• Secure any loose lawn furniture, or outside decorations
• Bring in light objects that could blow away
• Tie down or secure trash and recycle cans
• Do not put recyclables or trash out at the curb during or just before the storm

Check into your Home and Auto Insurance: Confirm that policies are valid and coverage is appropriate.

Develop an emergency communication plan

• Make sure that all family members know what to do
• Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water
• Teach children how and when to call police or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information
• In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
• Use text messaging: text messages may be able to get through when phone calls do not.