Irene: Township Sets Evacuation Staging Site

Officials say the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will open an Evacuation Staging Center at 8 p.m. at Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, 1 Lincoln Ave.

According to Mayor James Barberio, there are no evacuations occurring at this time. The center's opening is a precautionary measure being taken in case storm conditions force a need to evacuate residents.

Lake Hiawatha will not be used as a shelter. Officials say it has no provisions to provide for sleeping. The Evacuation Staging Centerwill be used as a transitional space for residents to use until they can be moved to a shelter that can provide for longer-term care.

Parsippany Police say that if you are still in your home, you are in the safest place to be during this storm. If evacuation becomes necessary, take with you only a few personal items—food, personal hygiene items, blankets and medicines. Pets will not be permitted inside the Staging Center site.

Those who need help with putting pets in a safe place may contact Parsippany Animal Control, which will be able throughout the storm to provide assistance. You can reach Animal Control at 973-263-7083.