Monday, October 29, 2012

Weather Update







MONDAY - OCTOBER 29TH - 6AM

We are now at the start of one of the most extreme weather events ever witnessed in the State of New Jersey.

Sandy strengthened overnight and now has maximum sustained winds of 85mph.  Sandy has made the turn to the northwest and is now headed directly toward the central NJ coast where landfall will occur sometime around 8pm or 9pm this evening.

Coastal flood guidance indicates major coastal flooding this morning between 7am and 8:30am.  The next high tide this evening centered around 8:00pm is forecast to be 2 to 3 feet above the highest tide of record at Sandy Hook.  Severe coastal flooding will occur this evening with the likely of complete destruction of all boardwalks, pavilions, piers and docks along the immediate coast.  There will also be damage to homes located near the ocean, bays or rivers.

Sandy's central pressure is currently 947mb and some further strengthening is possible.  When Sandy makes landfall this evening, it will be the deepest storm (lowest pressure) ever recorded in New Jersey and it will not even be close....the record will be smashed.

Winds are on the increase and are already gusting between 50 mph and 60 mph along the immediate coast.  Wind gusts of hurricane force, over 80 mph, are likely along the coast.  Hurricane force wind gusts could also extend well inland tonight.  This will cause tree damage and many power outages.  Prepare to be without power for an extended period of time. 

Winds tonight will shift from northeast to southeast and remain strong through much of the night but will be slowly decreasing after midnight.  Winds on Tuesday will still be gusting to over 40mph.

Rainfall is advancing up the coast and heavy rain will be occurring for much of today and tonight.  The heaviest rain will be in southern NJ or south of where the center makes landfall.

Please remain indoors today...there is no need to venture outside.  Heed all advise from your local emergency management office.  This is a particularly dangerous situation.  This storm is of unprecedented magnitude and should be treated as such.  Will continue to provide updates on the web site as long as power is available.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

From our neighbor Neptune Township Via Blogfinger


Township officials hear sobering predictions about the storm. Photos by Mary Walton
NOTE: This story was updated with new information at 1:55 p.m. on Sunday.
By Charles Layton
Neptune Township officials said Sunday that Hurricane Sandy will be catastrophic.
“I expect the complete destruction of the pier, the pavilion, the boardwalk, everything,” said Rick Cuttrell, the township clerk, who also serves as Neptune’s in-house meteorologist.
“This storm is worse than any storm on record in New Jersey,” Michael Bascom, Neptune’s coordinator of emergency management, added.
Their strong and unequivocal language came during presentations to the Township’s key personnel, who gathered Sunday morning at the Midtown Community School. A part of the school has been converted into an emergency center for the duration of the storm, which is expected to last for several days.
Phil Huhn, Neptune’s business administrator, said our area could expect the storm’s steady, hard rain to last for 40 hours.
Officials also predicted wide-spread power failures for extended periods of time.
Homes in Ocean Grove, particularly near the lakes and along Ocean Avenue, are likely to be inundated by record tides. Bascom said the highest anticipated tide could send water past Central Avenue.
Deputy Mayor Eric Houghtaling signed an official declaration of emergency following the briefing. The declaration allows local officials to impose curfews, close roads, restrict traffic flows and mobilize all the Township’s assets and employees – everyone from librarians to police to maintenance and sanitation workers. Many Township employees will be spending the next couple of nights sleeping on cots in public buildings.
Deputy Mayor Eric Houghtaling signs declaration of emergency
On Bascom’s orders, policemen, firemen and Office of Emergency Management personnel began going door-to-door Sunday afternoon in the most flood-prone areas to urge residents – in the strongest possible terms – to evacuate.
Out of a range of recent predictions about the course and destructive power of the impending storm, Bascom said the worst-case scenario was the one that was coming true. He said there was no chance now that Sandy would swerve away at the last moment. In fact, he said, Monmouth County and Neptune will be hit by the northeast quadrant of the storm, which is the part carrying the hardest wind and the thickest rain.
Cuttrell illustrated on a large graphic display how the tides from Sandy will be higher than either those of Hurricane Irene last year or the devastating northeaster of 1992.
Monday morning’s tide will be 9½ feet, he said. The next tide, on Monday night, will be 11½ feet, breaking all records for high tides. Both would be several feet higher than the tides during Irene and during the 1992 northeaster. And that doesn’t consider the action of waves, which, driven by tropical-storm strength winds, could run as high as 25 feet.
Governor Christie declared a state of emergency on Saturday. Voluntary evacuations from South Jersey’s barrier islands were underway on Saturday, and mandatory evacuations from there and from the Atlantic City Casinos were due to start on Sunday.
While Neptune has no plans for mandatory evacuations, residents are being urged in the strongest terms to move inland if they live in a flood-prone area, depend on electricity for special medical treatment, live alongside any body of water, or live in a mobile home or other vulnerable structure. Anyone who is not prepared to remain at home for three days without power, or who simply feels unsafe at home for any reason, is also urged to leave. Bascom said anyone who intends to leave should do so on Sunday.
Bascom: “…worse than any storm on record…”
The best option for evacuees is to stay with friends or relatives outside the storm’s major area of impact, Bascom said. Monmouth County has opened shelters at Monmouth University and at the Arthur Brisbane Center in Wall Township, and those are now available to Neptune residents. He said residents should not go directly to those places; rather, they should go to the Neptune High School at 55 Neptune Boulevard, where transportation by bus will be provided.
If you are unable to evacuate by yourself, or can’t get to the high school yourself, you should call the Township for assistance at 732-988-5200, extensions 230, 231, 234, 235 or 236, to arrange for transportation. Bascom said, however, that once the hurricane has struck the Township cannot provide emergency services. “Sunday is really the day to get out of here,” he said. After the storm has hit, people will be on their own, if they choose to stay, until the storm subsides to the point where it is again safe for emergency vehicles to move about.
The 9-1-1 phone lines should be used only for true emergencies, because the Township does not want those lines to become overloaded. Any call other than a genuine emergency should go to the 988-5200 number.
Monmouth County will run a pet shelter during the storm. To get to that, one must come to the transportation center at the high school. Bring a cage, food and everything else a pet will need. Owners will probably have to stay with their pets for the duration.
Although Township offices will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Township employees will be working on those days, manning phones and doing other emergency work.
In Ocean Grove, St. Francis Asbury was moving its 100 or so residents out of town on Sunday.
Area dialysis centers were working to get their patients in on Sunday, in advance of the storm, because they will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Officials are warning residents to stay away from downed trees and power lines during the storm. They will be trying to mark such hazards with yellow tape, but that may not be possible initially.
Bascom said the Red Cross resources will be somewhat strained during this emergency, because all of the Red Cross operations in surrounding states will also be in the storm’s path and therefore unable to lend their resources.
For our previous story on Hurricane Sandy, go here.
Cuttrell explains about anticipated record tides.
“Don’t know why there’s no sun up in the sky — stormy weather.” (Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler, 1933.)
Paul Goldfinger video
Sunday 11 a.m.
Sunday 11 a.m.
Starting Monday, Blogfinger will be maintaining three storm related posts. The first, News, will focus on the weather and its effects. We know that you can find information about the storm all over the media, but we will concentrate on Ocean Grove.
The second, Photo and Video, will be a running gallery of images that our photographers provide plus photos submitted by our readers. We encourage your participation. Just send us jpgs to Blogfinger@verizon.net. The best ones will be chosen. We like quality not quantity, so take your best shot and submit it.
The third, Comments by Grovers and others in town, will allow you to report on any storm related information. You can tell us about your experiences, about conditions on your block, about where to get supplies, etc. Or you can write a poem, share an anecdote, report on a conversation overheard, or just express your feelings.
If Ocean Grove loses power, we will try to find a way to continue posting, for the benefit of those who are out of town and have functioning computers. If you are in town but without power, try to find us with your smartphones.
– The Editors

Hurricane Sandy Information Notice Bradley Beach

 

 







Hurricane Sandy

http://bradleybeachonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Shore-Area-Emergency-Notification-System-Message-1.pdf 

The upcoming weather forecast predicts the possibility of a strong storm beginning Sunday with high winds and heavy rain with potential flooding. Beginning today, do not place any leaves or brush in the street until after the storm passes. This is critical to keeping our storm drains clear and to allow the street water to drain quickly.�
Please listen to radio and TV for updated weather information. Please check back for frequent updates.
MESSAGE FROM THE BRADLEY BEACH OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
In the event of future storms,the following storm related precautions should be taken:
  1. Remove or firmly secure all movable property
  2. Know the location of all utilities such as natural or propane gas and have tools ready in the event they need to be shut off
  3. Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit which should include items such as water, non-perishable food, battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, any medication immediately needed and sanitary items for your family. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car in case you are told to evacuate
  4. Make a Family Emergency Plan. It is important to know how you will contact family members in case of emergency or evacuations and how you will get back together
  5. Be Informed. The Bradley Beach Office of Emergency Management will continue to update you on the progress of this severe weather event by means of the Reverse 911 system or visit the www.ready.gov website to obtain further information on emergency Supply Kits and Making Family Emergency Plans
Please visit this website http://www.co.monmouth.nj.us/PressDetail.aspx?ID=1227
DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY
IN THE
BOROUGH OF BRADLEY BEACH
 October 28, 2012
 Effective at 1200 hours this date, a Municipal State of Emergency has been declared by the Office of Emergency Coordinator of the Borough of Bradley Beach.
This State of Emergency will continue in full effect pending the conclusion of all phases of emergency management, relative to the coastal Hurricane Sandy besieging the Borough at this time and until it is declared that such emergency no longer exists.
Authority for this declaration is based in Borough Code Chapter 189.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
                                                                                                                                                                 Leonard A. Guida, OEM Coordinator
Office of Emergency Management
Julie Schreck, Mayor
Borough of Bradley Beach
ATTEST:
Mary Ann Solinski, RMC, CMC
Municipal Clerk
Borough of Bradley Beach

County Update


Information about the county's efforts to prepare for the impact of Hurricane Sandy will be posted on this web page. 
Update 1:44 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012
Residents who do not have friends or family with whom they can stay should report to their municipal reception center (locations vary by town).  The reception center will register people and arrange for people to be transport to the shelters. Anyone going to a shelter must be picked up by county transportation. Municipal information
Municipal information (PDF format)
Update 6:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012
The Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management in cooperation with the Board of Chosen Freeholders issued a state of emergency for Monmouth County at noon today. This action followed Gov. Chris Christie’s declaration of a state of emergency for the state.
This state of emergency will allow the Office of Emergency Management to mobilize all county resources and direct them where they are needed to protect life and property. These actions include ordering mandatory evacuations and controlling traffic on all roadways.
Here's what you can do to get ready:
  • PrepareGet a Kit
  • Plan - Create an emergency plan
    You should contact the emergency management office in your local municipality if you have specific questions about storm preparations in your town. Contact information for all Monmouth County municipalities can be found on the Information Center web pages of the county web site or, click here
  • Stay informed - Listen to local radio stations 

Closings
The Monmouth County IRDC classes for Monday, Oct. 29 and Tuesday, Oct. 30 have been cancelled. The classes will be rescheduled (posted 10/26/12 3:45 p.m.)
Press Releases
10/27/2012 - County makes emergency declaration
10/26/2012 - County wants you to prepare, plan and stay informed
10/24/2012 - Hurricane Sandy could affect NJ

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Use credible websites to get information about natural hazards and emergency preparedness.




On the Web - Use credible websites to get information about natural hazards and emergency preparedness. The NJ Office of Emergency Management works closely with the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center regarding storm predictions and forecasts.
National Weather Service - http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/phi/
National Hurricane Center - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
New Jersey Office of Emergency Management - www.ready.nj.gov
Social Media - Social media and other advanced communications technologies are used by the NJOEM and by emergency managers statewide.
Find out if your community has a "reverse 9-1-1" system or if you can opt-in for email updates from municipal officials.
"Like" the NJOEM on Facebook, follow it on Twitter, or subscribe to the NJ State Police (NJSP) on Nixle Connect.
NJOEM on FB: www.facebook.com/READYNEWJERSEY
NJOEM on Twitter: @NJOEM2010
NIXLE - New Jersey residents can register to receive messages by sending a text message with their zip code to 888777 (data rates may apply depending on your plan). Online registration is also available at www.nixle.com.
NJ Alert - NJ Alert is a free, voluntary and confidential emergency alerting system that allows NJ Office of Emergency Management officials to send E-mail or text messages to cell phones, and other email enabled devices during an emergency event. Sign up for NJ Alert by logging on to: www.njalert.gov.

Friday, October 26, 2012

5th Annual Kids & Cops Volleyball game in Bradley Beach NJ




https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151045437330771

5th Annual  Kids & Cops Volleyball game in Bradley Beach NJ  
6-8pm Volleyball Game “Kids & Cops” in the school gym

Situation Report from the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC)


Situation Report from the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

SITUATION REPORT # 2
NEW JERSEY STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
October 26, 2012, 2000 Hours

A.     CURRENT SYNOPSIS:

The NJ ROIC and NJOEM are currently monitoring Hurricane Sandy which is characterized as a Category 2 Hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean.  NJ ROIC operational level is currently at a Level 3 as of 1330 hrs this date.  NJOEM personnel are currently staffing the SEOC.  NJOEM will provide situational awareness reports to the State, County, Local and allied agencies throughout the event.  ESF leads and allied agencies have been contacted and have begun hurricane preparedness actions as per the respective plans.  Updates will follow.

B.  INCIDENTS

            No incidents to report at this time. 

Road Conditions
           
            Dry and Clear

C.  RESOURCES DEPLOYED/REQUESTED

            No resources have been requested to be deployed at this time.

D.  ACTIVITIES

State/Allied Agencies:

ESF leads and allied agencies have been contacted and have begun hurricane preparedness actions as per their perspective plans.  NJDEP is currently staffing the SEOC. 
           

Counties:

County OEM Coordinators have been contacted and have begun hurricane preparedness actions as per the perspective plans. Salem County declared a state of emergency today, October 26, 2012 at 1400.  Their EOC will remain activated until 2100 tonight

Private Sector:

            N/A

E.  WEATHER FORECAST

Hurricane Sandy will affect the mid-Atlantic region late this weekend into early next week. Sandy will bring the following dangers to our area:
• Strong damaging sustained winds up to or exceeding hurricane strength (74 mph) over a prolonged period of time (24 to 48 hours). Gusts will be higher.
• Extremely heavy rainfall.
• Major flooding along streams and rivers.
• Major coastal flooding maybe compounded by the full moon on October 29.
• The eventual track of this storm will determine the area which is impacted.  
Sandy could still track a little further to our north, or a little further to our south, New Jersey will be feeling her effects one way or the other starting late this weekend (Sunday), continuing into Tuesday of next week.


Hurricane Sandy could affect NJ Prepare, plan and stay informed



For Immediate Release:
October 24, 2012

Hurricane Sandy could affect NJ
Prepare, plan and stay informed
 
FREEHOLD, NJ – Hurricane Sandy threatens to hit NJ as it moves up through the Atlantic in the days ahead, so the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) wants residents to be prepared for storms and other emergencies before they hit.
“We have seen the damage that a hurricane can cause and I hope that residents will take precautions as we monitor the progression of this storm,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the county’s Sheriff’s Office and OEM. “While the track of Hurricane Sandy cannot be predicted, everyone must prepare for the worst in order to ensure their safety.”
“This storm has the potential to affect the east coast from Florida all the way to New York within the next week,” Sheriff Shaun Golden said. “I urge residents to prepare, plan and stay informed about the coming hurricane.”
  • Prepare –  Assemble a Kit of Emergency Supplies – Batteries, flashlight, radio, first-aid kit,  medications, food and water to last three or more days, can opener, cooking tools, toiletries.
  • Plan – Create an Emergency Plan – Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan a way to contact one another, such as enlisting the help of a third party in another state as a contact, and review what you will do in different situations.
  • Stay Informed – “Like” the Monmouth County Government Facebook page, follow the county on Twitter and visit the county Web site frequently for information and links to important resources. Also, listen to local radio and television for the latest information on storms and other emergencies. Review what warning sirens are used in your community to alert residents of major emergencies.
 “The survival of you and your family will depend on the measures you take to prepare yourself for an emergency situation,” Golden said.
Burry also recommends that residents take two additional steps. “To be truly equipped for an emergency you should prepare your finances and consider making yourself available to help your neighbors in an emergency,” she said.
 
  • Financial Preparedness – Consider your insurance and financial needs in the event of a disaster. Also, take time to prepare a household inventory. If an evacuation is necessary, be sure to have cash or credit cards at your disposal.
  • Consider joining the Citizen Corps – Join others in you community who are ready to provide critical support to first responders and to fellow residents during emergencies.
Undergoing citizen corps training is a great way to feel empowered in the event of any emergency. The county has two primary programs for you to get involved: 
Citizen Emergency Response Team, or CERT, is a program that trains community members to provide volunteer support to local emergency responders during community incidents and disasters. For more information, contact the county OEM  at 732-431-7400 or log onto the county Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.
Medical Reserve Corps, or MRC, is also a community-based volunteer program that engages medical, public health and other civilian volunteers to strengthen public health and improve emergency preparedness and response. For more information, contact the county Health Department at 732-431-7456 or log onto the county Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.
Additional information about storm and disaster preparations is available on the county’s Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.
The county OEM works closely with federal, state and local partners to prepare for virtually all hazards, natural or manmade, that could affect New Jersey’s families, communities and businesses. 
#   #   #
Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed.
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers
Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children