Community Corner

Hurricane Irene: Parsippany and New Jersey Prepare for Storm's Arrival

The Category 3 hurricane is expected to hit our area late Saturday or early Sunday.

Consider Friday the calm before the storm.

Accuweather meteorologists warn that Hurricane Irene could be a "once-in-50-year hurricane for the northeast."

The National Weather Service reports that the Category 3 hurricane has 115 mph winds that extend outward up to 80 miles from the center plus tropical storm force winds extending outward up to 290 miles. After battering the Bahamas, NWS forecasters say it likely will pass well offshore of Florida--during which time it could gain strength--and hit North Carolina on Saturday. 

The NWS reports New Jersey could meet Irene late Saturday, with the bulk of tropical storm force winds and rain hitting the Garden State Sunday. This could result in "at least minor to locally moderate damage," uprooted trees and heavy inland flooding in many areas.

A flood watch is in effect for Morris County and much of the state from 
Saturday afternoon through late Sunday evening. A tropical storm watch covers Morris and Somerset counties over the same period of time.

The Jersey Shore is particularly at risk from heavy rain and floods. On 
Thursday, Gov. Chris Christie signed a state of emergency, deploying the National Guard throughout the state to help prepare for the storm. 
Christie also urged shore visitors to head home and encouraged those 
with plans to visit this weekend to postpone. 

For Parsippany, Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Eric Hubner said his team is constantly monitoring the storm for changing conditions.

Find out what's happening in Parsippanywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I've already started with department heads and first responders," he told Patch. "We're reviewing readiness plans, and I've met with our local emergency planning committee. Everything depends on the path of the storm, but we'll be ready."

More than anything, Hubner said, residents should be focused on ensuring that they are prepared for what happens.

Find out what's happening in Parsippanywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The message we're trying to convey to people is this: Have a plan, be prepared with supplies and stay informed at all times," he said. "Hazards and disasters happen without warning, like the earthquake [earlier this week]. Our Ready Parsippany campaign will be rolled out soon, but for now, we're spreading the word.

"Things change constantly, so we will monitor right up to the time when we wave Irene goodbye," he added.

The State of New Jersey Office of Emergency Management suggests that you create an Emergency Kit for you and your family in the event of widespread damage. They suggest that the kit includes the following items:

  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation 
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food 
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both 
  • Flashlight and extra batteries 
  • First aid kit 
  • Whistle to signal for help 
  • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place 
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation 
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities 
  • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) 
  • Local maps 
  • Cell phone with chargers 

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit: 

  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
  • Cash or traveler's checks and change
  • Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  • Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper - When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children 

OEM adds that residents should secure outdoor furniture and loose items that may take flight in the event of high winds. The office also suggests filling vehicles with fuel prior to Irene's arrival. 

If you are disabled, the time to get in contact with emergency personnel is now. If you have special needs, you should register so that emergency services may be able to help you during the storm. Before the storm hits, call 2-1-1 or visit RegisterReady.NJ.gov.

And for all residents, in case of evacuation, four Parsippany schools are ready to serve as shelters: Lake Hiawatha, Littleton, Knollwood and Mount Tabor elementary schools.


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