By Jen Samuel, Managing Editor
HIGHTSTOWN — The community is bracing for Hurricane Sandy.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Sandy is a very large tropical cyclone with tropical storm force winds extending outward up to 450 miles. The latest forecast indicates a turn to the northwest by early next week, with direct impacts expected for the Mid Atlantic and Northeast.
The NWS has issued a coastal flood watch, flood watch, high wind watch, and hazardous weather outlook for Hightstown.
Hurricane Sandy, which is also being referred to as Frankenstorm across the nation, is anticipated to strike the Northeast beginning Monday.
As of a 2 p.m. Saturday warning issued by the NWS, Sandy was producing tropical storm-force winds over the Atlantic from the northern Bahamas to near the coast of North Carolina. It is anticipated that the winds will increase in speed as it moves up the Atlantic.
”We are doing everything we can with our Emergency Management plan and our resources to ensure safety and minimize any possible damages,” said Michael Theokas, Hightstown’s business administrator, on Friday.
An Emergency Reception Center will be set up in the Hightstown High School gymnasium during the storm, according to Hightstown’s website. Information for emergency assistance, restrooms and electricity to charge cells phones will be available at the center as needed.
And in light of the severe weather conditions anticipated to hit New Jersey from Hurricane Sandy — including high winds, rain, flooding, Gov. Chris Christie on Saturday declared a state of emergency.
”As we move towards what is an increasingly likelihood of seeing Sandy make landfall in New Jersey, I am urging all New Jerseyans to take every possible and reasonable precaution to ready themselves for the storm’s potential impact. That means having an emergency action plan for their families and other loved ones who may require assistance, and avoiding unnecessary risks in the severe weather, including staying off of the roads,” Gov. Christie said.
The governor’s declaration activates parts of the State Emergency Operations Plan, broadening powers of the state police including traffic control, limiting access and egress from impacted areas and issuing evacuation orders if needed, according to a release from Gov. Christie’s office.
More than a year after Hurricane Irene struck the borough as a tropical storm — causing immense flood damages — volunteers came together Saturday to help prepare the town for Sandy.
Said Ryan Rosenberg, of Downtown Hightstown, “Ken Lewis from Public Works just called to see if we can round up some volunteers to assist in the downtown, taking down flower baskets, cornstalks (and) scarecrows.
”I know a lot of the local businesses are working on shoring up their establishments as well and could probably use some assistance” he said.
Folks gathered at 1 p.m. at the Public Works building on Bank Street where volunteer efforts began.
Firefighters, government officials and emergency volunteers alike have also been busy preparing the community for the storm.
”Right now we are prepping for this ‘Frankenstorm’ as I’ve heard it being called. Hightstown borough is putting measures in place to protect our infrastructure,” said LarryVan Kirk, chief of Hightstown Engine No. 1, on Saturday, including around the water plant.
”The water level in the lake will be closely monitored and will be lowered if and when necessary. Contingencies for worst cases scenarios are being worked upon,” Chief Van Kirk stated, referencing emergency measures for shelter and ground transportation.”
And across the East Coast, water is in demand — with gallons sold out at many stores on Saturday afternoon in New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania.
By Friday, Hightstown had placed an emergency banner on the home page of its website, linking folks to Hurricane Sandy warnings and preparation recommendations.
”Hurricane Sandy appears to have set her sights on the Northeast and it is essential that residents and business owners join the borough by taking a proactive approach to prepare for this weather event,” reads Hightstown’s website.
”Peddie Lake is being closely monitored and will be lowered as required; and sand bags and other barriers are being organized. It is essential that residents and business owners take a proactive approach to the pending storm.”
In the online message, the municipality advises folks to assist the borough by:
* Making sure that one’s sump pumps are draining into storm drains, not the sewer system; this causes undue hardship on the system and can lead to failure.
* Staying in the house; do not travel during or after the storm. Excessive traffic and stranded drivers cause additional duties for emergency responders who are already busy enough. Your home is the safest place for you and your family during this storm.
* Securing or remove items that are in your yard and on your property. Many of these items can be blown or float into drainage systems, causing blockages that prevent flooding waters from receding.
It recommends:
* If your property is flood prone or you encountered flooding in prior storms, acquire sump pumps and generators.
* Purchase or prepare sand bags and other barriers to assist with deflecting water from your structure.
* Where possible, raise personal items that are in flood prone areas of your home or business.
* Stock up on items such as water, noting it is recommended to have 1 gallon per person per day for a three days period; prepared foods — in case you cannot cook due to power loss; batteries for radios and temporary lighting.
Lucas Electric Co. is selling generators. To learn more, call 609-259- 2300.
– Amy Batista, special writer, contributed to this report.
