Home > Press > RECENT PRESS RELEASES > OCTOBER 26, 2012: HURRICANE SANDY HEADS TOWARDS NEW JERSEY; MAYOR BOOKER URGES RESIDENTS: TAKE PRECAUTIONS AND BE PREPARED WITH A FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN

For Immediate Release

HURRICANE SANDY HEADED TOWARDS NEW JERSEY, MAY HIT MONDAY, OCTOBER 29;

MAYOR BOOKER URGES RESIDENTS: TAKE PRECAUTIONS AND BE PREPARED WITH A FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN

Hurricane Sandy is expected to hit New Jersey on Monday at a Category 1 
Level with wide spread flooding and 74 to 100 mile an hour wind gusts in some parts;

City will open shelter at John F. Kennedy Recreation Center, at 211 West Kinney Street, in Newark’s Central Ward

Newark, NJ – October 26, 2012– Mayor Cory A. Booker, Business Administrator Julien X. Neals, Esq., Newark Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Keith Isaac, Fire Director Fateen A. Ziyad, Police Director Samuel A. DeMaio, Fire Chief John G. Centanni, and Police Chief Sheilah A. Coley announced today that the City of Newark is preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy, which is expected to hit New Jersey on Monday, October 29, at a Category 1 Level. City officials urge residents to take precautions and be prepared with a family emergency plan.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says that emergency personnel are preparing all along the coast. High tides, wide-spread flooding, and 74 to 100 mile an hour wind gusts are expected on Monday. The last hurricane to batter New Jersey and the Newark region was Hurricane Irene, in August 2011. A list of recommended safety measures is given after the press release.

The City of Newark will open a temporary shelter for persons displaced from their homes by the hurricane’s fury, at the John F. Kennedy Recreation Center, in Newark’s Central Ward. The center is located at 211 West Kinney Street, with the entrance on Howard Street.

“Newark is ready for Hurricane Sandy. Our own emergency operations team has secured shelters, emergency response equipment and making sure, if the storm hits, we’re ready. My Administration’s top priority is to make sure residents are prepared. Natural disasters can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. I urge Newark residents to learn how to protect themselves and their families by following the safety instructions provided by the city,” said Mayor Booker.

In addition, the City’s Non-Emergency Call Center will be operational beginning at 6 p.m., on Sunday, October 28, and will remain open until further notice. Residents can report hurricane-related incidents or concerns to (973) 733-4311.  For continuous information on hurricane safety tips and updates, residents can also tune to NWK-TV, Channel 78, the City’s Government Access Channel. City Hall and all municipal agencies will be open at their normal hours on Monday, October 29.

The Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is the City of Newark’s lead agency in planning for and responding to man-made or natural disasters that may impact the City of Newark and its residents, ranging from hurricanes to hazmat spills. It unites resources and agencies for planning, prevention, and preparedness, directs the response to events when warranted, and oversees recovery efforts.

“We are working around the clock with local, private, and public partners and our county, in addition to state and federal agencies to protect Newark’s citizens from the threat of this storm. We urge Newark residents to develop their own family emergency plans. Residents should have first-aid kits, flash lights, batteries, food and any important papers, such as a social security card, birth certificate and insurance information, in a ‘To-Go’ kit as a precaution,” Director Isaac said.

For additional information on creating your family emergency plan and putting together an emergency supply kit, please visit the State of New Jersey’s website at www.njready.gov.  You can also call the Federal Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-621-FEMA or visit their website at www.ready.gov.

The City of Newark has set up the JFK Center as a shelter in partnership with the American Red Cross and has identified additional shelters in each ward if needed.  The City of Newark’s Department of Child and Family Well-Being is also coordinating with the Associated Humane Societies to ensure that preparations are made for animal sheltering. 

“I am fully confident in the preparedness that has been assembled among the Newark Police and Fire Departments and the Office of Emergency Management. We feel confident that we are ready to handle any and all situations that may arise in our City as a result of Hurricane Sandy,” said Police Director DeMaio.

“When man-made or natural disaster strikes, the Newark Fire Department will be there,” Director Ziyad said. “But we need the support and cooperation of every resident. Take steps to protect yourself and your family.”

The Mayor also urged residents to check on their neighbors, particularly the elderly, to be sure they have adequate supplies and protection during the hurricane. He also advised residents not to drive their vehicles into flooded streets and to move their parked cars from areas that are subject to flooding in advance of the anticipated hurricane.

Any non-emergency questions regarding police and fire matters can be directed to (973) 733-6000. For information about all City of Newark programs, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

-NEWARK-

The City of Newark recommends the following safety measures to prepare for a hurricane:

• Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Consider building a safe room.
• Prepare a basic emergency supply kit which contains one gallon of water per person and food for at least three days, prescription medication for three days, a non-electric can opener, moist towelettes, garbage bags, flashlights and extra batteries, a battery-powered to receive weather reports, local maps, a first aid kit and a whistle to signal for help.

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or TV for information.
• Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
• The City of Newark will provide drinking water quality updates to residents.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

• If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
• If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.
• If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
• If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
• If you feel you are in danger.

If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
• Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
• Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

Have Disaster Supplies on Hand

• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
• First aid kit and manual.
• Emergency food and water.
• Nonelectric can opener.
• Essential medicines.
• Cash and credit cards.
• Sturdy shoes.

Develop an Emergency Communication Plan

• In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

Any non-emergency questions regarding police and fire matters can be directed to (973) 733-6000. For information about all City of Newark programs, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

Contact:         Newark Press Information Office: (973) 733-8004.

E-mail: Pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us

About the City of Newark, New Jersey

Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major commuter and freight rail lines, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.

For the past six years under the Booker Administration, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival.  In population, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the northeast. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The production of affordable housing has doubled, and businesses are returning. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission:  to set a national standard for urban transformation.

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.ci.newark.nj.us 

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