MAYOR BOOKER CALLS FOR VOLUNTARY EVACUATIONS DUE TO POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE FLOODING;

MAYOR BOOKER CALLS FOR VOLUNTARY EVACUATIONS DUE TO POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE FLOODING;

RESIDENTS SHOULD NOT UNDERESTIMATE THIS STORM AND SHOULD MOVE AWAY FROM LOW-LYING AREAS

Hurricane Irene is expected to hit New Jersey on Saturday at 5 p.m. as a Category 1 with wide spread flooding and 74 to 100 mile an hour  wind gusts in some parts;
Residents living in low-lying areas should move inland with family and friends first before relocating to one of city’s temporary emergency shelters;
Newark, NJ – August 27, 2011 – Mayor Cory A. Booker, Members of the Municipal Council, Business Administrator Julien X. Neals, Newark Emergency Management and Domestic Preparedness Director Keith Isaac, Police Director Samuel A. DeMaio, Police Chief Sheilah A. Coley, Fire Director Fateen A. Ziyad, Fire Chief John Centanni and Acting Department of Child and Family Well-Being Director L’Tanya Williamson are calling for voluntary evacuations by Newark residents who live in low-lying  areas due to the potential for severe flooding due to Hurricane Irene.
Residents living in the following low-lying areas listed below should move inland with family and friends first before relocating to one of the city’s temporary emergency shelters:

Raymond Blvd to Passaic River
·        Lockwood
·        Esther
·        Joseph
·        Cornelia
·        Lister
·        Albert Avenue
·        Libella Court
·        Riverview Court

Routes 1 & 9 to Turnpike to Passaic River

·        Wilson
·        Avenue L
·        Delancey St
·        Doremus Ave
·        Avenue P
·        Foundry St
·        Roanoke
·        Doremus Place
·        Rutherford St
·        Curry St
·        Hyatt Ave
·        Avenue K
·        Stockton
·        Avenue I
·        Margaretta
·        Mary
·        Thornton
·        Herbert
·        Paris
·        Amsterdam

The following streets listed below are known as flood areas, and residents should stay clear of traveling on them as the hurricane approaches:

·        South Street Area (East Ward)
·        Malvern Street Area (East Ward)
·        Market Street (East Ward)
·        Wilson Avenue entrance to Pulaski Highway (East Ward)
·        Niagara & Marne (East Ward)
·        Darcy Street & Niagara (East Ward)
·        Merchant & Ferry (East Ward)
·        Avenue C (East Ward)
·        Thomas Street (East Ward)
·        Chapel Street (East Ward)
·        Manufacturers Place (East Ward)
·        Jefferson & Warwick Streets (East Ward)
·        Emmet Street & Avenue C (East Ward)
·        380 Walnut Street (East Ward)
·        Raymond Blvd. & McCarter Highway (East Ward)
·        Centre Street & Park Place (East Ward)
·        Wilson Avenue & Avenue L (East Ward)
·        Avenue P & Foundry Street (East Ward)
·        St. Charles Street & Rome Street (East Ward)
·        Pulaski Street & Clifford Street (East Ward)
·        Park Avenue & 5th Street (North Ward)
·        North 7th Street & Delavan Avenue (North Ward)
·        Broad Street & Clay Street (North Ward)
·        North 5th Street & Park Avenue (North Ward)
·        McCarter Highway & 3rd Avenue (North Ward)
·        Park Avenue & Lake Street (North Ward)
·        Riverside Avenue 7 Route 21 (North Ward)
·        Passaic Avenue & McCarter Highway (North Ward)
·        Ogden Street & Passaic Avenue (North Ward)
·        Elizabeth Avenue between Hansbury Avenue & Keer Avenue (South Ward)
·        Meeker Avenue between Elizabeth Avenue & Empire Street (South Ward)
·        McClellan Street between Runiak Avenue & Frelinghuysen Avenue (South Ward)
·        79 Milford Avenue (South Ward)
·        307-309 Avon Avenue (South Ward)
·        Avon Avenue & Baldwin Avenue (South Ward)
·        429 South 7th Street (South Ward)
·        103 Osborne Terrace (South Ward)
·        Hawthorne Avenue & Elizabeth Avenue (South Ward)
·        Frelinghuysen Avenue between E. Peddie Street & Empire Street (South Ward)
·        South Orange Avenue & Oraton Parkway (West Ward)
·        Ivy Street & Kerrigan Boulevard (West Ward)
·        West End Avenue & 18th Avenue (West Ward)
·        Maybaum Avenue & Tremont Avenue (West Ward)
·        Kerrigan Boulevard & Varsity Road (West Ward)
Residents are urged to stay clear of the streets listed as it is hard to predict the level of water anticipated in these flood areas. Residents who choose to stay in these low-lying areas are advised that it may take sometime for emergency services to respond if medical attention is needed.
“As an added precaution for the safety of our residents, I am urging residents who live in low-lying areas to immediately evacuate their homes. Our emergency operations team has secured shelters for those who need a safe place to weather the storm. My administration’s top priority is to make sure residents are prepared. I urge our residents to call our Non-Emergency call center for updates and safety tips on how to protect themselves and their families,” said Mayor Booker.
Residents who live in these low-lying areas are urged to do the following:
    Evacuate immediately.
    If you are going to an emergency shelter, pack lightly and bring:
        Copies of your important documents in a waterproof (Ziploc) portable container (insurance cards, photo IDs, proof of address, birth certificates, social security cards, etc.)
        Extra set of car and house keys
        Copies of credit/ATM cards and $50-$100 cash in small denominations
        Up-to-date medical information and other essential personal items.  Keep a list of medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages.  Also include all doctors’ names and phone numbers.
        Child care supplies or other special care items.
    Let friends and relatives know where you are going.
    Plan to shelter your pet at a kennel or with friends or relatives outside the evacuation area.  The emergency shelter at JFK Recreation Center will be accepting pets.
    Determine if you will need assistance and arrange help from friends, family, or neighbors.
    Consider additional supplies and equipment that you may need to bring with you, such as medicine, icepacks, medical devices, and backup equipment.  Bring food for your dietary needs.
In preparation for Hurricane Irene, the City of Newark’s Department of Neighborhood and Recreational Services has checked to make sure all cans are secured by chain to their locations and will have crews available to abate any situations that should arise as soon as safely possible.  The Department of Water and Sewer Utilities has been cleaning catch basins across the city to reduce flooding, especially in areas known, especially in areas known for pre-existing flooding issues. In addition, The Newark Parking Authority has suspended alternate side parking and meters due to the hurricane threat.

The City of Newark will open temporary shelters for persons displaced from their homes by the hurricane’s fury, today, Saturday, August 27, at 6 p.m. Residents with pets are advised that the City of Newark’s Department of Child and Family well-Being in coordination with the Associated Humane Society has set up emergency animal sheltering with mobile kennels at the JFK Recreation Center (211 West Kinney Street) and have all animal control officers on call.
Mayor Booker added, “Hurricane Irene is still expected to reach New Jersey tonight as a Category 1. If the storm remains at its predicted strength and reaches Newark at high tide, it could be one of the worst storms our City has ever faced. Very strong winds are forecast, so trees may be uprooted and residents need to prepare for power outages that could last for at least 72 hours.”

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. Irene is the first hurricane to seriously threaten the United States in three years.

Residents are reminded by city officials to take the following safety measures before Hurricane Irene arrives:

    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.
    Consider building a safe room.

·        Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, barbeque grills, small potted plants and anything else that is not tied down could blow away and cause damage or injury.
·        Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts especially buildings with flat roofs.
·        Monitor news channels for updates on the storm and have a battery powered radio in case of power failures.
    Residents are urged to maintain 72 hours of non-perishable food and water in their homes and any necessary medication in the event of power failure. 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.
If the hurricane causes downed power lines, flooding or a power outage, here is a list of safety tips for residents from PSE&G:
DOWNED POWER LINES
Heavy rain and strong winds can cause power lines to come down.  Downed wires may appear dead but should always be considered “live.”  STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES.  Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with.  Parents are urged to check for downed wires in areas where their children might play and to remind the children to stay far away from any wires.  If a wire falls on a vehicle, passengers should stay in the vehicle until help arrives. To report a downed wire, call 1-800-436-PSEG and tell PSE&G the nearest cross street.

CUSTOMERS WITH LIFE-SUSTAINING EQUIPMENT

Individuals who rely on electricity to operate life-sustaining electronic equipment, such as a respirator or dialysis machine, should pre-register with PSE&G to receive priority attention in the event of an outage.  To request the service, call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG.  They should also inform their rescue squads and fire departments of their needs, in case of emergency.  Even though customers with life-sustaining equipment who have registered with PSE&G will receive priority attention during outages, they should also have emergency back-up equipment on hand, since immediate restoration cannot be guaranteed.

IF YOU LOSE POWER

First check your neighborhood.  If you are the only one without power, check your fuse box for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.  If that’s not the problem, look outside at the wire between your house and the utility pole.  If it is down, report it immediately to PSE&G.

If you lose power:

    KEEP REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER DOORS CLOSED.  Food will stay frozen between 36 and 48 hours in a fully loaded freezer (24 hours in a half-full freezer).
    Know how to open your garage door without the electric opener.
    Remember, electric well and sump pumps will not operate.
    Unplug all motor-driven appliances like refrigerators and freezers and sensitive electronic equipment (like TVs, microwaves and computers) to prevent a possible electrical overload when power is restored.
    Leave one light switch on to indicate when power is restored.

IF YOU USE A PORTABLE ELECTRIC GENERATOR, CAREFULLY READ AND FOLLOW THE MANUAL THAT CAME WITH IT.  Be sure your generator is UL-approved, installed by a licensed electrician and inspected by your local electrical inspector.  There must be a way to physically disconnect your generator from utility lines.  Customers who improperly install, operate or maintain a generator are responsible for any injury or damage suffered by themselves, their neighbors or utility workers.

FLOODED BASEMENTS

Flooded basements can pose a genuine safety risk. Below are some steps you can take to help ensure your safety in the event of flooding:

    Be cautious in flooded basements.
    If customers lose electricity and their basement is flooded, notify PSE&G (1-800-436-7734) and call the local fire department to have the basement pumped. Stay away from the breaker box if it's in a flooded basement. And don’t go into a flooded basement if energized wires are present.
    If water is rising to the height of any gas appliance, the gas supply to the appliance should be turned off.  If customers are unable to do so, please contact PSE&G or your local police or fire department for assistance. To restore gas service to appliances call PSE&G (1-800-436-7734) and have the appliances checked for safety and restored to proper operation.
    Customers should call PSE&G (1-800-436-7734) immediately if they smell gas.

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.