MONMOUTH COUNTY: Sheriff urges preparation for nor’easter

     FREEHOLD — The Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management wants residents to have a plan for the nor’easter expected to affect our area on Wednesday, Nov. 7.
     The effects of this system coupled with the ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Sandy make it vital that residents prepare ahead of time.
    The storm could bring strong wind gusts that will begin to affect the area Wednesday afternoon through early Thursday morning with the possibility of 3 to 5 foot tidal surge which will cause coastal flooding. As a result, there is a high probability of power outages in areas that just had service restored as well as other parts of the county. Trees that were weakened during Hurricane Sandy may come down during this nor’easter.
     “Please have a plan in place now,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “Get ahead of the storm in case the power goes out. We will see flooding in coastal areas and it will be cold if the power goes out again.”

     Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management urges residents  take the following steps:

  • Have a family emergency plan in case a weather warning is issued.
  •  Check and restock emergency supply kit in case you are without electricity for an extended period of time.
  • Leave ahead of time.
  •  Residents in coastal towns prone to flooding should have a safe place to wait out the weather.
  •  Driving conditions will be extremely hazardous so stay off the road if at all possible.
  • Stay informed through radio or television.    

     The sheriff also asks residents not to call 911 unless it is an emergency.
     Monmouth County officials are reminding residents that the Hurricane Sandy Hotline, a clearinghouse of information for residents affected by the storm, remains active. The phone number is 732-303-2882 and is in operation from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.