As the summer season begins, officials are urging residents and visitors to prepare for hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an 85% chance of an above-average Atlantic hurricane season.
“We want to ensure that Ocean County is as prepared as possible for the upcoming hurricane season,” said Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Gary Quinn. “Preparing now relieves some of the inevitable distress that comes when a storm is forecasted.”
The Ocean County Office of Emergency Management recommends that every home have a portable disaster supply kit, including essentials such as water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and a battery-powered radio. Additionally, residents should create an emergency plan, including an evacuation route and a safe place to stay.
Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy, who serves as Ocean County’s Emergency Management Coordinator, emphasized the importance of including pets in emergency plans. “Create an animal disaster travel kit with your pet’s essentials, such as food, water, and vaccination proof,” he said.
Residents can sign up for the County’s emergency alert system to receive updates on severe weather warnings, emergency notifications, and other important information (you can sign up by texting OCEANCOUNTY to the number 67283). The state of New Jersey also has a Special Needs Registry for people with disabilities and their caretakers to register important information for emergency responders.
“It is crucial to take these precautions now to equip yourselves for potential storms,” Quinn said. “Pay attention to weather alerts, enroll in notification programs, and have a plan in place. It will help keep you and your loved ones safe in the event of a weather emergency.”
Maybe include how to sign up for the alerts in your article. Would help a lot of people I’m sure.
It would be nice if the article included the OC emergency alert system information so that people could sign up.