Full Notification

The Toms River Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor Hurricane Joaquin and the Nor'easter that is forecasted to affect our area over the next few days. Coordinator Paul Daley urges everyone to prepare ahead of these storms.

*Please do your part to clear storm drains in your area of any debris. This will help with drainage should flooding occur.
*Tie down or bring any lawn or patio furniture indoors. Light objects can become projectiles in strong wind situations.
*If you live in an area prone to flooding, make plans to move your vehicle to higher ground.

If an evacuation is necessary:
*Make sure you have your shoes on or with you at ALL times. You may need to evacuate quickly.
*Have cash on hand. If the power is out, so are the ATM's and credit card machines.
*Gas up your cars ahead of the storm. The gas pumps will not work without power or may be too damaged to open afterwards.
*Be sure to check on friends and neighbors who have access or functional needs.
Be sure to have extra medications on hand and keep them in a water resistant container.
Get all of your vital records and insurance papers together NOW. Keep them in a water resistant container. If you can, scan and email them to yourself so you have a copy of important numbers and policies, etc.
*Charge up your cell phones and try not to use them if the power goes out. Texting uses less power than a cell call, so use text messaging when possible to save power.
*Discuss business continuity plans now. Whether you are the boss or report to a boss, discuss your game plan for continued business operations.
*NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.
*Know where your utility shut off valves (gas, electric, water) are and how to use them.
*Establish a Family Communication Plan. Make sure each member of your family knows how to contact one another should you get separated. See www.ready.gov for details on creating a plan.
*Make sure you have an emergency kit ready. A checklist can be found at www.ready.gov.

To find additional emergency resources, monitor our Facebook page and local media outlets.