Ramsey is “as prepared as possible” to deal with the potential side effects of a storm that is expected to bring significant wind and rain to the area by Monday, Mayor Chris Botta said Friday. Botta and other township officials met with emergency responders, police, fire, rescue, Office of Emergency Management, Department of Public Works and other departments Friday afternoon to plan for the borough’s response to Hurricane Sandy.
“The good news is that we are prepared for this, since we went through it last year with Hurricane Irene,” Botta said at the meeting. “The bad news is that we may have to go through that again.”
Officials have already identified areas of particular concern, like low-lying sections of Franklin Turnpike, Lake Street, DeBaun Ave., and the lake by the Ramsey Country Club.
Every department in the borough is putting staffing precautions in place now – the police department will have two dispatchers answering emergency calls, the DPW is planning to have crews stay on duty throughout the duration of the storm, the fire and rescue squads are implementing voluntary storm standby crews and the ambulance corps will have extra staffing on call beginning Saturday for an expected heightened number of calls.
Ramsey officials also said they’d be working closely with the schools to coordinate any potential delays or closures.
Ramsey’s OEM is working with every borough department, tracking Hurricane Sandy, and updating its Facebook page with warnings for residents.
OEM sent an alert out Friday reminding residents of important things to do, and not do, leading up to and during the storm:
During the planning meeting Friday, officials also discussed the need for residents to make sure they have adequate supply of any medications they take, and clear any leaves or brush that may be blocking storm drains near their houses.
The borough will utilize its reverse 911 emergency alert calls, as needed, officials said. Residents who have not signed up their cell phones to receive these alert calls can do so on the Ramsey Police Department’s website.
Even Gov. Christie called on New Jersey residents to take prophylactic steps ahead of the storm: "Now, ahead of any potential impact of Sandy, is the time for families to ensure they are prepared and are tuned in for the latest path of the storm for our coast. I encourage all of our families to stay informed, get ready, and reach out to those you know who may be isolated, or in need of extra assistance during adverse conditions."
Some suggestions issued by The American Red Cross Friday include:
“The good news is that we are prepared for this, since we went through it last year with Hurricane Irene,” Botta said at the meeting. “The bad news is that we may have to go through that again.”
Officials have already identified areas of particular concern, like low-lying sections of Franklin Turnpike, Lake Street, DeBaun Ave., and the lake by the Ramsey Country Club.
Every department in the borough is putting staffing precautions in place now – the police department will have two dispatchers answering emergency calls, the DPW is planning to have crews stay on duty throughout the duration of the storm, the fire and rescue squads are implementing voluntary storm standby crews and the ambulance corps will have extra staffing on call beginning Saturday for an expected heightened number of calls.
Ramsey officials also said they’d be working closely with the schools to coordinate any potential delays or closures.
Ramsey’s OEM is working with every borough department, tracking Hurricane Sandy, and updating its Facebook page with warnings for residents.
OEM sent an alert out Friday reminding residents of important things to do, and not do, leading up to and during the storm:
- Don’t pass through road barricades
- Don’t drive through roads that are covered in water
- Don’t touch downed power lines, they could still be electrified
- Don’t call 911, except for emergencies
- Do prepare early
- Do shelter at home (shelter in place), away from windows
- Do secure outside objects
- Do bring pets inside
- Do listen to a battery operated radio
During the planning meeting Friday, officials also discussed the need for residents to make sure they have adequate supply of any medications they take, and clear any leaves or brush that may be blocking storm drains near their houses.
The borough will utilize its reverse 911 emergency alert calls, as needed, officials said. Residents who have not signed up their cell phones to receive these alert calls can do so on the Ramsey Police Department’s website.
How to Prepare
Officials are recommending that homeowners stock up on emergency supplies such as food, water and medication for family pets for at least 72 hours.Even Gov. Christie called on New Jersey residents to take prophylactic steps ahead of the storm: "Now, ahead of any potential impact of Sandy, is the time for families to ensure they are prepared and are tuned in for the latest path of the storm for our coast. I encourage all of our families to stay informed, get ready, and reach out to those you know who may be isolated, or in need of extra assistance during adverse conditions."
Some suggestions issued by The American Red Cross Friday include:
- A portable kit, stored in a sturdy, easy to carry, water resistant container should have enough supplies for three days. Check your kit and replace perishable stock every six months.
Whether you purchase a kit or choose to build your own, your three-day kit should include:
- Water: one gallon per person, per day.
- Food: nonperishable, easy-to-prepare items such as tuna fish, peanut butter, crackers, and canned fruit.
- Don't forget to include a manual can opener.
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
- A first aid kit.
- Prescription and nonprescription medication items. Include medical supplies like extra hearing aid batteries, syringes, etc.
- Copies of important documents, including birth certificates, insurance policies and social security cards.
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
- Extra cash. ATMs and credit cards won’t work if the power is out.
- Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
- One blanket or sleeping bag per person.
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowls).
Know what to do if a hurricane watch is issued:
- Listen to weather updates from your battery-powered or hand-cranked radio.
- Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, hanging plants, bicycles, toys and garden tools, anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
- Close all windows and doors. Cover windows with storm shutters or plywood.
- If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture or move it to a higher floor to protect it from flooding.
- Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
- Check your disaster supplies kit to make sure items have not expired.
Know what to do if a hurricane warning is issued:
- Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
- If in a manufactured home, check tie-downs and evacuate as told by local authorities.
- Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.
- If you are not advised to evacuate, stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
- Do not use open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
- If power is lost, turn off appliances to reduce damage from a power surge when electricity is rest
