Jersey City Prepares for Potential Impact of Hurricane Joaquin and Severe Weather as Office of Emergency Management and City Departments Closely Monitor Storm’s Progress

 

 

Residents Encouraged to Enroll in City Emergency Alert System and Social Media Channels

JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), in coordination with all city departments, are closely monitoring and preparing for the potential impact that Hurricane Joaquin could have on our area, as weather forecast models show a potential East Coast landfall late this weekend or early next week.

While the exact trajectory and intensity of the storm are still unknown, OEM is cautioning residents that significant rainfall, flooding, high winds and power outages are possible for the area.  Motorists should avoid flooded roadways and not attempt to drive through standing water.

“Our OEM team and city directors are putting the necessary steps into place while closely monitoring the direction of Hurricane Joaquin, which has the potential of significantly impacting our area,” said Mayor Fulop.  “Residents should sign up for emergency notifications and take the necessary home preparedness steps now in advance of the storm, as we will be continually providing updates to keep our residents safe and informed.”

As officials continue to monitor the storm and put emergency preparedness plans into effect, OEM is asking residents to sign up for emergency notifications or city social media channels.  Before and during the storm, the city will frequently update its communication channels including the municipal website (www.jerseycitynj.gov), the official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/JerseyCityNJ), the Twitter feed (@JC_Gov) and the emergency alert system.

Residents who are not already signed up to receive emergency alerts can do so by logging on to: http://www.jerseycitynj.gov/alerts/

City construction officials are inspecting construction sites and requiring all materials be secured to prevent any incidents as a result of high winds.  The Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA), with the assistance of Department of Public Works and Jersey City Incinerator Authority personnel, are clearing catch basins of debris in advance of the expected heavy rains for the next several days.

Any residents who park in low-lying areas are encouraged to move their vehicles to higher ground in advance of the storm.

Both the Jersey City Medical Center-Barnabas Health and CarePoint Health-Christ Hospital are activating their emergency preparedness plans and are in close communication with the City’s OEM.

Additional steps residents can take in advance of a severe rain and wind event include:

• All residents should have a family disaster plan ready. Know where you will be evacuating to, and plan ahead to stay with family and friends or lodging outside the area. Be sure to provide shelter for your pets and notify friends and family of your plans.
• Bring all outdoor items such as garbage cans, lawn furniture and other items inside prior to the storm.
• Remove debris and keep trees trimmed.
• Inspect outside drains to make sure they are free of clogging.
• Secure and board up windows in your home.
• Cars and boats should be moved to higher ground before exiting your home.
• Store valuables and important documents in a waterproof safe deposit box in the highest level of your home.
• Make sure generators are in working condition.
• Before evacuating, check with your utility company in advance to find out what should be turned off.
• Make sure your car has a full tank of gas, cells phones are fully charged, prescription medications are filled and have enough money, clothes, blankets, diapers, formula and personal items to get you through several days.
• If evacuation is required, unplug appliances, lock your home and do not return until the area is deemed safe.

 

Residents may also call the Resident Response Center at 201-547-4900, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.  In the event the OEM Command Center is activated, extended hours and phone numbers will be made available for residents.