Full Notification

Fair Lawn Emergency Management is making preparations for a possible landfall of Hurricane Joaquin in our area. We are closely monitoring the expected rains and winds over the next several days and take every potential storm very seriously. To begin preparing residents should:

• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan
• Register for notifications from the Borough at “Notification Sign-Up” on www.fairlawn.org
• Make plans to secure your property
• Prepare a “Go Kit” in case of evacuations
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts
• Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down
• Install a generator for emergencies
• Have cash available. ATM’s may not be available.

The Borough of Fair Lawn has a limited number of portable generators available, if not being utilized by emergency services. Residents should make other arrangements, should these generators not be available.

If necessary, residents will be advised of sheltering options. Mass care shelters, if necessary, will be made available to residents. You should plan to take your “Go Kit” with you so you have the supplies that you require. The “Go Kit” should be assembled well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them. Please plan to take any medications that you might need if you evacuated. At least a five day supply should accompany you to a shelter.

Residents might also be asked to shelter in place. There may be circumstances when staying put and creating a barrier between yourself and the outside. Use common sense and available information to assess the situation and determine if there is immediate danger.

Downed utility lines, blackouts, or storms can lead to power outages. Many residents are turning to generators as a temporary solution. Please remember the following safety precautions when using a generator.
• Generators should be used in well ventilated locations outside away from all doors, windows and vent openings.
• Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
• Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings.
• Make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home.
• Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is running.
• Store fuel for the generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled

Additional preparedness information can be found on the following websites: www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php or www.ready.gov

If you experience a power outage, please call PSE&G directly at 1-800-436-7794.

Fair Lawn Emergency Management will be monitoring the forecasted weather and will issue bulletins as necessary.

For more information or questions, contact Fair Lawn Emergency Management at 201-794-5390 or via email at [email protected]