Storm Ready 2016

The Gazettes & Currents / 2016 STORM READY
PAGE 3
Its been an average Atlantic storm year

so far, but it only takes one
By DAN SKELDON
The 2016Atlantic hurricane season got off to

a quick start, much earlier than the official June
1 beginning of the season.
HurricaneAlex developed in January, only the
fourth known January tropical system in the
Atlantic. Alex affected the Azores way out in the
Atlantic,butcamenowhereneartheUnitedStates.
Then came Bonnie, a tropical storm that
formed in late May, another storm before the
season officially began. Bonnie provided some
squalls of rain and wind for the Carolinas, but
did not have a major impact.
Tropical Storms Colin and Danielle followed
in June, with Colin making landfall in northern
Florida, and Danielle in Mexico. Both were noted
more for the rain they produced, not the wind.
The fifth and final storm, at least so far through
the middle of August, was Hurricane Earl, a
Category 1 storm that made landfall in Belize,
impacting parts of CentralAmerica and Mexico
with heavy rain and strong winds, along with a
damaging storm surge in Belize near the point
of landfall.
Thats where we are so far. The more
important question is where we are going for the
rest of the season.
The Atlantic hurricane season peaks late
each summer in early September, when the
ocean is warmest and the conditions are most
favorable for development. In a typical year,
most storms form

between Aug. 15 and
Oct. 15.
For South Jersey,
August and September
are the months most
likely for a hurricane
impact, even though
Sandy made a rare late
October strike.
The forecast for the
rest of the hurricane
season calls for another
seven to 12 storms,
with another three to
five hurricanes and
NASA photo
possibly one or two
major hurricanes, While the Atlantic hurricane season typically peaks late each summer
Category 3 or greater. in early September, when the ocean is the warmest, Sandy in 2012
made a rare late October strike.
Thatwouldbeinaddition
number, it only takes one storm to define a
to the five named storms weve already seen.
In an average year, the Atlantic produces 12 season.
Warmer-than-average water throughout much
named storms, six hurricanes, and two major
hurricanes. So the official forecast calls for an of the Atlantic this year, including up the East
average to slightly above average season by Coast for much of the summer, means storms
may form throughout the entire basin.
Nov. 30, when the season officially ends.
As always, we will track them one at a time
While forecasting the general number of hurricanes each year has become increasingly as they develop.
Meteorologist Dan Skeldon is a staff writer
accurate, forecasting where they will track
for The Press of Atlantic City. He can be
remains a mystery.
Meteorologists are quick to remind us that no reached at DSkeldon@pressofac.com.
matter how busy or quiet a year is in terms of Follow him on Twitter @ACPressSkeldon.
Saffir-Simpson explains what hurricane categories mean
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is

a 1-to-5 rating based on a hurricanes sustained
wind speed, according to the National Weather
Services National Hurricane Center. The scale
estimates potential property damage.
Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher
are considered major hurricanes because of their
potential for significant loss of life and damage.
Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous,
however, and require preventative measures.
In the western North Pacific, the term super
typhoon is used for tropical cyclones with
sustained winds exceeding 150 mph.
likely will result in power outages that could last

a few to several days.
Category 1, 74-95 mph
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built

framed homes may incur major damage or
removal of roof decking and gable ends.
Many trees will be snapped or uprooted,
blocking numerous roads. Electricity and
water will be unavailable for several days to
weeks after the storm passes.
Very dangerous winds will produce some

damage: Well-constructed frame homes could
have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and
gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and
shallowly rooted trees may be toppled.
Extensive damage to power lines and poles
PAGE 4
Extremely dangerous winds will cause

extensive damage: Well-constructed frame
homes could sustain major roof and siding
damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be
snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads.
Near-total power loss is expected with outages
that could last from several days to weeks.
Catastrophic damage will occur: Wellbuilt framed homes can sustain severe
damage with loss of most of the roof
structure and/or some exterior walls. Most
trees will be snapped or uprooted and power
poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles
will isolate residential areas. Power outages
will last weeks to possibly months. Most of
the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or
months.
Category 5, 157 mph or higher
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high

percentage of framed homes will be destroyed,
with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen
trees and power poles will isolate residential
areas. Power outages will last for weeks to
possibly months. Most of the area will be
uninhabitable for weeks or months.
PAGE 5
Do research before lifting your house

By MADELAINE VITALE
Staff Writer
The advantages of living on the shore are

great. The proximity to the water, cool breezes
and just the sounds of the ocean lulling you
to relaxation after a long day can be alluring.
But owning a house along the shore also
comes with serious considerations.
Chances are if you live in a flood zone
you may have no choice but to elevate your
house, or otherwise be destined to experience
flooding damage, eventually.
The question of elevating your home is
real, and became especially acute after
Hurricane Sandy battered the coastline in
2012, and more recently Winter Storm Jonas
in January 2016, causing serious flooding and
wind damage to homes in Cape May County.
Costs, federal funding programs including
FEMAs Flood Mitigation Assistance program,
and pros and cons of lifting a home, are all
key factors to consider before making a
move, said Colin Schmitt, a construction
attorney and vice president of Baumgardner
House Lifting in Egg Harbor Township.
Schmitt said there is a long list of ways
homeowners can find funding to lift their homes.
And it can be a very confusing journey if one
goes about it without first doing their homework.
Schmitt offered this advice:
Homeowners should go to a qualified
designer either a professional engineer or
an architect to perform the elevation.
They should ask a lot of questions so they
are knowledgeable about the company they
are considering to do the lift, as well as the
A recent house elevation by Baumgardner House Lifting out of Egg Harbor Township.
team that goes along with it the contractor

and others.
If a homeowner wants a basic lift, that is one
thing, Schmitt said. But if a property owner wants
something more extensive than lifting a house
onto pilings, that takes an expert in design.
For a foundation modification a lift
you can use a qualified engineer, but anything
with aesthetics you use an architect, he
said. And you always want to go to the
architect or engineer before the contractor.
In terms of funding, it is a matter of paying
now, or paying later should your house be
damaged by a bad storm, he said.
As a homeowner, you should consider
that it is a very expensive thing to do, Schmitt
said of elevating a home. You are either
Submitted
ripping out or augmenting your foundation.

You dont want it done by anyone.
Costs vary. Schmitt said he could not even
estimate a price because of varying circumstances. But a sure thing is it will run into the
multi-thousand dollar range at least which
is why it is essential to look to funding from
federal programs, he said.
The positive aspect of Jonas, Schmitt said,
is more funding is available for homeowners
in South Jersey for house lifts.
Do your research, he cautioned.
It has to be done right, Schmitt said. And
there are many companies out there.
Email Madelaine Vitale at mvitale@catamaranmedia.com.
Take steps to reduce hurricane damage to homes
An important part of emergency preparedness

is knowing how to prepare your home for a
hurricane, according to the Insurance Institute
for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Use these
hurricane safety tips when preparing for a
hurricane. Importantly, dont wait until the last
minute to gather all of the emergency essentials on your hurricane supply list.
Shutters
Install the hardware needed to put up shutters
or pre-cut plywood to protect windows and
doors now. This will allow for easier installation
if the storm threatens your area.
Surroundings
Bring in any loose items, such as garbage
cans and lawn furniture, and pick up any
debris in the yard that can act as a projectile
during high winds, before a storm arrives.
PAGE 6
Trees
Trim your risk of damage by cutting weak tree
branches,alongwithbranchesthatarepositioned
over structures, which could be broken by high
winds and cause property damage.
Seals
Make sure caulking around windows and
doors is in good shape and not cracked,
broken or missing. Fill any holes or gaps
around pipes or wires that enter your building.
Roofs
Inspect your roof and overhang to look for
signs of wear or damage. Have your roof
inspected to make sure the roof sheathing
is well-connected.
Attached Structures
Have porches, carports, entryway canopies
and storage sheds inspected to make sure

they are firmly attached and in sound structural condition.
Sump Pumps & Drains
Inspect sump pumps and drains to ensure
proper operation. If a sump pump has a
battery backup, make sure the batteries are
fresh or replace the batteries.
Generators
Prepare and test your generator before a
storm strikes.
The Insurance Institute for Business &
Home Safety (IBHS) is an independent,
nonprofit, scientific research and communications organization supported solely by
property insurers and reinsurers. Learn more
at disastersafety.org.
PAGE 7
Emergency kits like this one are available at redcrossstore.org.
Submitted
Having these supplies

handy will prepare you
for an emergency
Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies

you may need in the event of an emergency or disaster, according
to the American Red Cross, which advises that you should keep your
supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you
can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.
At a minimum, you should have:
Water one gallon per person, per day (three-day supply for evacuation; two-week supply for home).
Food non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (three-day supply
for evacuation; two-week supply for home).
Flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather
Radio if possible), extra batteries, first aid kit, medications (sevenday supply) and medical items, multi-purpose tool, sanitation and
personal hygiene items.
Also, copies of personal documents including medication lists and
pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home,
passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, cell phones with
chargers, family and emergency contact information, extra cash,
emergency blanket and a map of the area.
Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your
kit. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are:
Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact
lenses, syringes, etc.), baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food,
diapers), and games and activities for children.
Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl), two-way radios,
an extra set of car keys and house keys and a manual can opener.
Additional supplies to keep at home or in your survival kit based
on the types of disasters common to your area such as:
A whistle, N-95 or surgical masks, matches, rain gear, towels, work
gloves, tools/supplies for securing your home, extra clothing, hat and
sturdy shoes, plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors, household liquid
bleach, entertainment items, blankets or sleeping bags.
Many supplies from this list are available for sale at redcrossstore.org. You can get more advice at redcross.org.
PAGE 8
PAGE 9
Be Register Ready
before the next storm hits
A special publication of The Current Newspapers

and The Gazette Newspapers
www.shorenewstoday.com
Phone: 609-601-5200 or 609-624-8900

Classified Advertising 609-382-4132
current@shorenewstoday.com
PUBLISHER: Mark L. Blum
GENERAL MANAGER: Anthony Falduto
EDITORS: Bill Barlow and James FitzPatrick
COPY EDITOR: Joan Kostiuk
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Emily Lingo
REPORTERS: Suzanne Marino, RJ Liberatore Jr., Laura Stetser,
Madelaine Vitale, Nanette LoBiondo Galloway, Charlie Pritchard,
Bill LeConey, Brian Cunniff, Column Higgins, Chris South, Dave
Benson, Andrew Parent
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER: Susan Papy, 609-601-5186
PRODUCTION/CREATIVE MANAGER: Paul Scully
CIRCULATION: 272-1011, Option 1
The Current and The Gazette are published by Catamaran Media Company, L.L.C.
Mailing address is P.O. Box 619, Northfield, NJ 08225. Business offices are located
at 3206 West Parkway Drive, Suite 1, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234.
PAGE 10
Register Ready is a free, voluntary and confidential web-based

program designed to identify the needs of people who may find it
difficult to get to safety in the event of an emergency.
People special needs (or caregivers on their behalf) are encouraged
to register electronically, if possible, at www.registerready.nj.gov.
Alternatively, they can call New Jerseys toll-free 2-1-1 service. This
service will register people, offer free translation, and provide TTY
services for the hearing-impaired.
The NJ Special Needs Registry is designed to help emergency
responders locate and safely evacuate people who could find it
difficult to help themselves in the event of a major disaster, such
as a hurricane.
You (or someone on your behalf) should register if you may find
it difficult to get to safety with family or friends, or to a public shelter
during an emergency evacuation because of a physical or cognitive
limitation, language barrier, or lack of transportation.
You will only be asked for information necessary to get you to the
safest place possible, if you have no other means to evacuate. The
New Jersey Special Needs Registry complies with all privacy laws.
Even if you are registered, your first choice should be to move to
a safe location with family or friends in a storm emergency. Make
those plans in advance. The availability of public shelters will depend
on the size and scope of the emergency.
A caregiver should accompany you to your pre-selected location
or a public shelter, if possible. Make a back-up evacuation plan, in
case your caregiver is unavailable.
PAGE 11
Taking care of pets is an integral part of sheltering

By DAVID BENSON
Staff Writer
Evacuating ahead of a storm can be a

difficult task, and all the more challenging if
the would-be evacuee has pets.
Many folks wont leave their dogs, cats or
bunnies behind if a hurricane threatens, and
that puts lives in danger, federal, state and
local officials have found over the years.
Thats why we have the County Animal
Response Team, said Martin Pagliughi,
director of Cape May Countys Office of
Emergency Management said in 2015. The
county has some pet friendly shelters. We
know that some people will not leave if they
cant bring their pets.
The CART team is made up of volunteers
who help at the shelters with pets. Atlantic
County also has a CART team in place.
We know that taking care of pets is an
integral part of sheltering, he said.
Peoplehaveaplacetogointimesofemergency;
therearecountyrunshelters,aswellasthoserun
by the Red Cross and other organizations.
Pets, too, have a place to during a severe
storm in Cape May County, one thats typically
parked right outside a shelter.
Storm Ready Tip

Find pet-friendly lodgings
For help identifying pet-friendly

lodgings the Humane Society of the
United States recommends you check
the following websites: Bringfido.com,
Dogfriendly.com,Doginmysuitcase.com,
Pet-friendly-hotels.net, Pets-allowedhotels.com, Petswelcome.com, and
Tripswithpets.com.
Submitted
Residents should plan ahead for pets care in an emergency, just as they would their own.
In a declared emergency, Cape May

County residents have access to three pet
trailers, one owned by Avalon that can hold
120 pets and two others owned by the county
that can accommodate about 40 pets each.
The shelters include installed pet cages,
climate control, a veterinary work station,
running water, and lighting. Theyre available
to any community in the state that needs to
safely evacuate pets during an emergency
situation, according to the countys website.
And Avalons shelter was successfully used
during hurricanes Irene and Sandy.
According to county documentation, the
trailers are parked at designated evacuation
shelters; during an emergency, pet owners are
able to care for and comfort their own animals
with the assistance of shelter operators.
But just knowing that a shelter is available for
their animals isnt enough, federal officials have
said. Residents should plan ahead for pets care
in an emergency, just as they would their own.

Checklist items include information such as
an extra dog tag, pet records stored in waterproof container, and a current photograph of your
pet, especially useful for fliers should the animal
go missing during an emergency.
Other things to think about include medications with instructions, food bowls and a twoweek supply of pet food, and a list of pet-friendly
hotels or relatives willing to shelter your animals.
Several state and local websites offer
detailed information on how to care for and
protect pets during an emergency, including:
www.capemaycountyemergency.net
www.state.nj.us/njoem/plan/pets.html
www.petfriendlytravel.com
www.ReadyPetsGo.com
www.fema.gov/helping-pets
For a list of pet friendly motels, hotels and
campgrounds in Atlantic County, see
http://www.readyatlantic.org/pdf/petfriendly.pdf
Have a plan to protect your pets during a disaster
Ready.gov, the nations public information

initiative to inform Americans about how to
protect themselves in an emergency, reminds
residents that its important think of the needs
of their pets when disaster strikes and offers
the following guidelines:
Bring your pets inside immediately.

Have newspapers on hand for sanitary
purposes. Feed animals moist or canned
food so they will need less water to drink.
Animals have instincts about severe weather
changes and will often isolate themselves if they
are afraid. Bringing them inside early can stop
them from running away. Never leave a pet
outside or tied up during a storm.
PAGE 12
Separate dogs and cats. Even if your dogs

and cats normally get along, the anxiety of an
emergency situation can cause pets to act differently. Keep small pets away from cats and dogs.
In an emergency, you may have to take
your birds with you. Talk with your veterinarian
or local pet store about special food dispensers
that regulate the amount of food a bird is given.
Make sure that the bird is caged and the cage
is covered by a thin cloth or sheet to provide
security and filtered light.
If you evacuate your home, do not leave
your pets behind. Pets most likely cannot
survive on their own and if by some remote
chance they do, you may not be able to find
them when you return.
If you are going to a public shelter, it is

important to understand that animals may not
be allowed inside. Plan in advance for shelter
alternatives that will work for you and your
pets; consider loved ones or friends outside
of your immediate area who would be willing
to host you and your pets in an emergency.
Make a back-up emergency plan in case
you cant care for your animals yourself.
Develop a buddy system with neighbors,
friends and relatives to make sure that
someone is available to care for or evacuate
your pets if you are unable to do so. Be
prepared to improvise and use what you have
on hand to make it on your own for at least
three days, maybe longer.
PAGE 13
Prudent pruning can prevent tree damage
Falling trees and limbs cause millions of

dollars in damage each year. Windstorms,
such as hurricanes, are a leading cause of
such damage.
The Insurance Institute for Business and
Home Safety (IBHS) suggests several ways
to help prevent damage before a storm strikes
and how to clean up the aftermath.
Some trees are more prone to storm
damage than others. A shallow-rooted tree
for example growing in soft soil can easily
topple onto a building in strong winds.
A trees roots also can become weakened
after heavy rains, elevating the risk. Have an
arborist check trees to assess their resistance
to storm damage.
Potential problems are easy to spot include:
Cracks in the trunk or major limbs, hollow and
decayed trees, trees that look one-sided or lean
significantly, branches hanging over the building
near the roof, limbs in contact with power lines,
mushrooms growing from the bark indicating a
decayed or weakened stem, V-shaped forks
rather than U-shaped ones (V-shaped are more
likely to split), and crossing branches that rub
or interfere with one another.
Good pruning can prevent many problems.
Prompt removal of diseased, damaged, or
dead plant parts helps limit the spread of
harmful insects and disease, as well as
PAGE 14
reduce the possibility of future storm damage.

Experts offer these pruning tips:
Check local tree regulations prior to pruning
or tree removal.
Avoid pruning branches flush to the trunk.
Doing so removes not only the limb, but also
some of the trunk wood, exposing the plant
to decay or insect damage.
Begin pruning by making a cut partway
through the bottom of any limb to be trimmed,
a few inches from the trunk. Then cut through
the limb just above the first cut. This ensures
when the limb falls, it will not tear off a long
strip of bark on the way down.
Finish by cutting off the few inches sticking
out from the trunk. Be sure to leave the
branch collar, the swollen area of trunk
tissue that forms around the base of a branch.
This protects the main trunk from damage.
Its also important to care for stormdamaged trees. Take the following steps:
In general, it is best to reset only smaller
trees, since larger trees will be weakened and
may fall again.
Weakened sections of trees and shrubbery
can easily be blown around during a high
winds; causing extensive damage to structures, knocking down utility lines and blocking
roads and drains.
Cut weak branches that could easily be
thrown against a structure during high winds.

Also, reduce the chances of branches
becoming weak by trimming branches more
than 5 feet long.
Remove Spanish moss growing on limbs.
Remove branches hanging over a structure.
Contact the local utility company to trim
away any limbs close to utility lines that could
potentially pull down lines or even entire
poles. It is important to never touch a wire
while trimming.
Decide what to do with tree stumps. If you are
going to leave them or have someone grind
them, cut the stump off flush with the ground.
If you plan to remove them, leave 4 feet
of stump standing.
Removal will be cheaper and easier if
stumps can be pulled out instead of dug out.
For guidance regarding native species and
tree care in your area, contact a local agricultural professional or cooperative extension office.
Report property damage to your insurance
agent or company representative immediately after a severe weather event or other
natural disaster and make temporary repairs
to prevent further damage.
For information about filing an insurance
claim after a natural disaster, contact your
insurance agent or insurance company.
Learn more at DisasterSafety.org.
PAGE 15
How to respond as a hurricane draws near
As a storm is approaching, how you

respond will depend on how close it is to the
anticipated time of landfall.
Ready.gov, the national public service
advertising campaign designed to educate
Americans on how to prepare for and respond
to emergencies, provides the following tips
for how to react:
When a hurricane is
36 hours from arriving
Turn on your TV or radio to get the latest

weather updates and emergency instructions.
Build or restock your emergency
preparedness kit. Include a flashlight,
batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
Plan how to communicate with family
members if you lose power for example,
you can call, text, email or use social media.
Remember that during disasters, sending
text messages is usually more reliable and
faster than making phone calls because
phone lines are often overloaded.
Review your evacuation plan with your
family. You may have to leave quickly so
plan ahead.
Keep your car in good working condition and

keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with
emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
When a hurricane is
18-36 hours from arriving
Bookmark your city or county website for

quick access to storm updates and
emergency instructions.
Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that
could become projectiles in high winds such
as patio furniture and garbage cans. Anchor
objects that would be unsafe to bring inside
such as propane tanks, and trim or remove
trees that could fall on your home in high
winds.
Cover all of your homes windows.
Permanent storm shutters offer the best
protection, but a second option is to board
up windows with 5/8-inch exterior grade or
marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
When a hurricane is
six-18 hours from arriving
Turn on your TV or radio or check your
city/county website every 30 minutes in order

to get the latest weather updates and
emergency instructions.
Charge your cell phone now so you will
have a full battery in case you lose power.
When a hurricane is
six hours from arriving
If youre not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home
or where you are and let friends and family
know where you are.
Close storm shutters and stay away from
windows. Flying glass from broken windows
could injure you.
Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the
coldest setting and open only when
necessary. If you lose power, food will last
longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to check the food temperature when
the power is restored.
Turn on your TV or radio or check your
city/county website every 30 minutes to get
the latest weather updates and emergency
instructions.
www.shorenewstoday.com
PAGE 16
PAGE 17
File photo
Storm surge has the power to carry your boat far away from its original location.
Secure your boat to reduce storm damage
The Atlantic County Office of Emergency

Preparedness offers the following tips for
securing your boat before a hurricane arrives:
Long before a hurricane is approaching,
boat owners should already have a plan to
minimize the impact on their vessels. If you
know that a hurricane or storm surge are
approaching, get off the open water and as
far away from the storm as possible. Never
stay with your boat.
The following guidelines do not ensure a boat
will escape damage, but a well-planned strategy
will help reduce the chances of disaster.
Determine if you will trailer or haul your
boat, secure it in a marina or move it to a
previously identified hurricane mooring. Keep
in mind the hazards hurricanes present: wind,
tidal surge and wind-driven waves.
Check your insurance policies to know
your responsibilities, as well as those of your
marina or storage area. Gather insurance
policies, registrations, inventories and other
records. You may need them when you return
to check on your boat.
When removing your boat

from the water:
If you can, put your boat and trailer in a

garage.
Avoid exposure to wind and park away
from trees.
Lash the boat to the trailer and secure the boat
to a fixed object, preferably from four directions.
Remove half the air from the tires. Block
the tires to prevent rolling.
Seal door openings and tape windows that
may break.
Remove sails, rigging and other loose objects.
Increase the weight of your trailered
outboard by filling it with about six inches of
fresh water and leaving in the drain plug.
If you plan to haul your boat, be sure the
PAGE 18
marina can store and secure it quickly. Check

into prearranged contracts for hauling and
have an alternate plan in case the marina
cannot meet the sudden demand that would
be generated by an approaching hurricane.
If you are leaving your boat

at the dock:
Double all lines and protect them from

chaffing.
Make sure boats will not strike a roof as
water level rises.
Make sure all cleats and winches are well
secured to the boat.
Adjust lines to accommodate unusually
high or low water.
Install fenders to protect boats from rubbing
against piers, pilings and other boats.
Cut off all electrical devices, except bilge
pumps, for the duration of the storm.
Remove all loose items (canvas, sails,
dinghies, radios and cushions) and lash down
everything you cannot remove.
Seal doors, openings and tape windows
that may break.
Do not stay aboard.
If you are anchoring your boat

in open water:
Select a location that offers the best

protection from wind and storm surge.
Before leaving the dock remove sails,
riggings and other loose items.
Lash down those items that cannot be
removed.
Seal all doors and openings and tape
windows that may break.
Avoid channels and tidal currents.
Leave early for your site because of danger
of high winds and strong currents.
Bridges may be locked down to accommodate land traffic.
Do not tie up to other boats.

Practice runs should be made to determine
accessibility, depth of water, location of
bridges and to locate obstructions and objects
on which to secure lines.
Make sure all cleats and winches are well
secured to the boat. Cut off all electrical
devices, except bilge pumps, for the duration
of the storm.
Again, do not stay on board.
After the storm,

you should do the following:
Be sure it is safe to travel before you return

to your boat.
Remove any water from the boat.
Check for damage to your boat and the
marina before you leave your mooring.
Beware of dangling wires, fuel leaks,
weakened docks and bridges and objects
floating in the water.
Make a thorough check of seaworthiness
and damage to your boat and of property that
may have been damaged by your boat.
See www.readyatlantic.org to learn more.
Storm Ready Tip

Leave your boat behind
One of the most dangerous

mistakes a skipper can make is to
stay aboard his or her boat during a
hurricane, according to Boat Owners
Association of The United States
(BoatUS.com). Experience has
proven that there is little a skipper
can do to save a boat when tides are
surging, winds are blowing over 100
mph visibility is only a few feet.
PAGE 19
Know your evacuation zone
In the event thatAtlantic County needs to evacuate its residents or visitors,

theAtlantic County Office of Emergency Management has developed an
evacuation zone system.
Residents and visitors are advised to heed the warnings and leave when
their zone is directed to leave in order to minimize traffic congestion and
get the public out of harms way in an efficient and organized manner.
Evacuation Zones by Municipality
Zone 1 Brigantine
Zone 2 Atlantic City, Corbin City, Egg Harbor Township (West
Atlantic City, Seaview Harbor, Anchorage Point, Sea Village Marina),
Galloway Township (areas east of Route 9), Longport Borough,
Margate City, Ventnor City
Zone 3 Absecon City, Egg Harbor Township (remaining areas),
Estell Manor City, Galloway Township (areas west of Route 9),
Linwood City, Northfield City, Pleasantville City, Port Republic City,
Somers Point City
Zone 4 Egg Harbor City, Hamilton Township, Weymouth Township
Zone 5 Buena Borough, Buena Vista Township, Folsom Borough,
Town of Hammonton, Mullica Township
This information was obtained from readyatlantic.org.
Tune in to these stations in an emergency
The offices of Emergency Preparedness in Atlantic and Cape May

counties advise the public to monitor the following stations for upto-the-minute information in an emergency:
Atlantic County
NOAAWeather Radio 162.400 MHz, Comcast Channel 24, WAYV 95.1
FM, WAIV 102.3 FM, WTTH 96.1 FM, WDTH 93.1 FM, WFPG 96.9 FM,
WXKW 97.3 FM, WTKU-FM 98.3 FM, WZBZ 99.3 FM, WGBZ 105.5 FM,
WZXL100.7 FM, WMGM 103.7 FM, WSJO 104.9 FM, WPUR 107.3 FM,
WIBG 1020 AM, WCMC 1230 AM, WMID 1340 AM, WOND 1400 AM,
WENJ 1450 AM, WTKU 1490 AM, WGYM 1580 AM
Cape May County
NOAAWeather Radio 162.400 MHz, WIBG 1020AM, WCMC 1230AM,
WMID1340AM,WOND1400AM,ESPN1450AM,WBSSLaFIESTA1490
AM, WIBG 94.3 FM, WAYV 95.1/102.3 FM, WTKU 98.3 FM, WTTH 96.1
FM, WFPG 96.9 FM, WCZT 98.7 FM, WZBZ 99.3 FM, WZXL 100.7 FM,
WMGM 103.7 FM, WSJO 104.9 FM, WFNE 106.3 FM, WPUR 107.3 FM
PAGE 20
PAGE 21
Conserve your phone battery

during a natural disaster
The type of phone you have ad how you

use precious battery life are just two of the
considerations to consider when managing
your electronic communication lines in a
natural disaster, according to a list of tips
put together by the Federal Communications
Commission and the Federal Emergency
Management Agency. Consumers are
advised top:
Know what type of landline telephone
service you have. Some newer forms of
telephone service will not work without electric
power.
Understand
whether you have
this newer type
of service, such
as voice over
I P ( Vo I P ) ,
which
is
provided over
broadband
connections, or
more traditional
telephone service, which typically is
powered over copper telephone lines. Ask
your service provider if you are unsure.
If you have newer telephone service that
works with battery backup equipment during
power outages, test the battery periodically,
understand how long it should last, learn how
to replace it, and consider having a spare
battery that you can charge before a storm.
If you do not have battery backup
equipment, ask your provider if they can
supply it or if it is available elsewhere.
If your electricity goes out and you dont
need to use the phone right away, you can
disconnect the battery to prevent it from
Storm Ready Tip

Communicate
even when you cant talk
Its important to learn how to send

updates to your contacts and social
media channels from your mobile
phone via text and the Internet in
case voice communications are not
available. Ready.gov notes that text
messages and the Internet often
continue working even during a
phone service outage.
PAGE 22
draining and plug it back in when you need

to receive or make calls. Once power is
restored, plug the battery back in so it can
recharge.
If you have traditional telephone service,
it may work during electric power outages
but you may need to use a corded phone.
Remember that many cordless home phones
rely on electric power to operate.
Charge your wireless phone if a storm is
coming. Also consider keeping an extra
battery and a car charger on hand.
Charge your laptop
or tablet computer
if a storm is
coming. If
your
electricity goes out but secure WiFi is available

in your community, you may be able to use
your computer or tablet to go online and send
emails.
You may also be able to use the battery
power in these devices to recharge your
wireless phone using a USB cable, but be
careful not to drain the battery power of your
computer or tablet if you need to go online.
Broadcasters are an important source of
news during emergencies, so consider
keeping a battery-operated, solar-powered,
or hand-crank-operated radio or digital
portable television for use during power
outages.
Make sure you have charged or fresh
batteries if needed. Some hand-cranked
radios can also be used to charge cell
phones, but check the instruction manual
before assuming this is the case.
During an emergency:
Limit non-emergency phone calls. This will
minimize network congestion, free up space
on the network for emergency communica-
tions, and conserve battery power if you are

using a wireless phone.
If you do need to make a call, try to keep
it brief and only convey vital information to
emergency personnel and/or family.
For non-emergencies, try text messaging
from your wireless phone. In many cases,
text messages to other wireless devices will
go through when your call may not, although
there may be a delivery delay during times
of network congestion. (In most
locations you cannot send a
text message to 911,
however.)
Adjust your
wireless phone
to conserve
power. Check
your wireless
device or manual for
ways to conserve battery
power, such as dimming the
brightness of your display
screen and disabling certain applications.
If you have difficulty accessing your
wireless network, consider connecting to
WiFi service if your phone is WiFi-capable.
If the wireless network in your area is
damaged and you do not see any signal
bars on your phone, consider turning your
phone off to prevent the battery from draining
as your phone seeks a usable wireless
signal.
Call 911 only for emergencies.
Wait 10 seconds before redialing a call.
Redialing a wireless call multiple times in
quick succession can increase network
congestion, further limiting the ability of all
users to place calls. If you must make a call,
space out your call attempts.
If you have call forwarding on a landline
phone at home, consider forwarding those
calls to your wireless number, particularly in
the event of an evacuation, so you can
continue to receive incoming calls to your
home telephone number; and
If you do not have electric power in your
home and are using your car to charge
wireless phones or listen to news on the car
radio, be careful. Dont try to reach your car
if it is not safe to do so, and remain vigilant
about carbon monoxide emissions from your
car, especially if it is in a closed space.
Find more information at www.ready.gov,
http://www.redcross.org, or www.fema.gov.
FEMA app connects you

with information, assistance
in an emergency
With FEMAs updated free app you can get weather alerts from the
National Weather Service for up to five locations across the nation.
You can receive alerts on severe weather happening anywhere
in the country, even if your phone is not located in the area, making
it easy to follow severe weather that may be threatening your
family and friends, especially now as the height of hurricane
season approaches.
Emergency responders and disaster survivors are increasingly
turning to mobile devices to prepare for, respond to and recover from
disasters, said Craig Fugate, FEMA administrator. This new feature
empowers individuals to assist and support family and friends before,
during, and after a severe weather event.
Mobile apps are an essential way to receive the life-saving severe
weather warnings. According to a recent survey by Pew Research,
40 percent of Americans have used their smartphone to look up
government services or information.
The new weather alert feature adds to the apps existing features
including a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of
open shelters and Disaster Recovery Centers, and tips on how to
survive natural and manmade disasters.
Other key features of the app include:
Safety Tips: Tips on how to stay safe before, during, and after more
than 20 types of hazards, including floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and
earthquakes.
Disaster Reporter: Users can upload and share photos of damage
and recovery efforts.
Maps to Disaster Resources: Users can locate and receive driving
directions to open shelters and disaster recovery centers.
Apply for Assistance: The app provides easy access to apply for
federal disaster assistance.
Information in Spanish: The app defaults to Spanish-language
content for smartphones that have Spanish set as their default language.
The FEMA app is available for free in the App Store for Apple devices
and Google Play for Android devices.
For more information see https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app. If you
already have the app downloaded, you can update it so the weather
alerts take effect.
PAGE 23
Dale Gerhard / Press of Atlantic City
Rio Grande firemen clear a downed tree along Route 47 in Rio Grande June 21, 2016. Experts say its important to disconnect appliances and
other equipment in an outage in case of a momentary power surge that can damage computers and other devices.
Stay safe during and after a power outage
Ready.gov, the national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to educate
and empower Americans to prepare for and
respond to emergencies, offers the following
tips for staying safe in a power outage:
Only use flashlights for emergency lighting;
candles can cause fires.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept
safely in a closed refrigerator for several
hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep
food cold for about four hours. A full freezer
will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
Take steps to remain cool if it is hot outside.
In intense heat when the power may be off
for a long time, consider going to a movie
theater, shopping mall or cooling shelter that
may be open in your community. If you remain
at home, move to the lowest level of your
home, since cool air falls. Wear lightweight,
light-colored clothing. Drink plenty of water,
even if you do not feel thirsty.
Putonlayersofwarmclothingifitiscoldoutside.
Neverburncharcoalforheatingorcookingindoors.
Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the
power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to
go to another location (the home of a relative or
friend, or a public facility).
Turn off or disconnect appliances and other
equipment in case of a momentary power surge
that can damage computers and other devices.
Consider adding surge protectors.
If you are considering purchasing a
generator for your home, consult an
electrician or engineer before purchasing
and installing one.
Onlyusegeneratorsawayfromyourhomeand
never run a generator inside a home or garage,
or connect it to your homes electrical system.
After a power outage
Throw away any food that has been

exposed to temperatures 40 F (4 C) for 2
hours or more or that has an unusual odor,
color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out.

If food in the freezer is colder than 40 F and
has ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it.
Contact your doctor if youre concerned
about medications having spoiled.
Restock your emergency kit with fresh
batteries, canned foods and other supplies.
Storm Ready Tip

Dont get poisoned
Generators, grills, camp stoves

or other gasoline, propane, natural
gas or charcoal-burning devices
should never be used inside a home,
basement, garage or camper or
outside near an open window due to
the risk of carbon monoxide
poisoning, according to the Centers
for Disease Control.
How to report and track power outages
Atlantic City Electric customers have

several ways to get and communicate information when the power goes out.
Call 1-800-833-7476 to report outages and
downed wires, and request a call back so the
utility can verify if outages still exist.
You can also download a mobile app at
atlanticcityelectric.com/mobileapp or from
your favorite app store to get the latest news,
report an outage, access outage maps of
your area, and call directly to get estimates
PAGE 24
for when power will be restored.

Customers can go online to atlanticcityelectric.com, click Outage Center and enter
their account information to get the latest
news, report an outage, access outage maps
of their area, get important contact information
and estimates for when power will be restored
from anywhere you can access the Internet.
Customers are also advised to go online
and sign into their account to make sure their
current service location telephone correctly
listed. This will help match your street address

to your telephone number quickly if you have
to report an outage.
Important Phone Numbers
Report power outages and downed wires:
1-800-833-7476
Customer Service: 1-800-642-3780
Servicio en Espaol: 1-800-642-3780
TTY for Hearing Impaired: 1-800-898-8056
You can also find Atlantic City Electric on
Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
PAGE 25
PAGE 26
If a hurricane is approaching, residents should be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is issued.
File photo
Emergency managers offer advice on how to be storm ready
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY

Staff Writer
Emergency management coordinators

from South Jersey shore communities, the
Atlantic County Office of Emergency
Management, South Jersey Gas, Atlantic
City Electric and meteorologist Jim Eberwine
recently got together to offer advice to
residents living in shore towns about how to
be ready for the hurricane season, including
evacuation at a moments notice.
Eberwine noted that real-time data on
approaching storms, which can even show
how high tidal flooding will be on your block,
is available at the National Weather Service
website, weather.gov, which includes tidal
flooding and storm surge information posted
by the Mount Holly station.
The National Weather Service has
predicted 10-16 named storms between
September and November. One to four of
them will be major hurricanes, he said.
According to Andrew Sykes of Atlantic City
Electric, since Excelon Corporation
purchased the utility, which provides power
to the South Jersey area, the electric
company now has thousands of workers at
the ready should the power go out.
More than $716 million in system
hardening upgrades since Hurricane Sandy,
including installing metal poles that can
withstand exceptionally high winds, will
prevent outages, Sykes said. The company
also has four meteorologists on staff to help
predict where problems are likely to occur.
The best thing residents can do is be
prepared to function for three days with no
electricity, listen to local emergency management

officials, and leave immediately if an evacuation order is issued. If you see a downed wire,
dont go near it, he advised, just call the electric
company to report it.
Dave Neuman of South Jersey Gas said
the gas companys three-year system
hardening project on Absecon Island has
replaced aging low-pressure lines susceptible
to water intrusion with high-pressure lines.
Never shut off your gas system. It should
survive any storm, Neuman said. But if you
smell gas when you return to your home,
evacuate immediately, dont flip any switches,
just call us.
Ed Conover of Atlantic County Office of
Emergency Management said the county has
planned for every contingency and the best
thing residents can do is have a plan of their own.
Sit at the dining room table for a few
minutes and design your plan so everyone
in the household knows where to go, what
to do and who to contact. It will be 10 minutes
worth of work that will be invaluable in an
emergency, Conover said.
He added that the countys Register Ready
program offers emergency assistance to
residents with special needs. The program
was developed following Hurricane Katrina
after emergency workers said there needed
to be a better way to help people that need
special assistance. Atlantic County was part
of a pilot project to implement the plan, which
only requires that residents register in
advance, so EMS knows how to help.
We just need to know how to help, such
as if you are on oxygen. All the information
is kept strictly confidential, he said.
Those who register can expect a call

warning that a storm is coming, help with
evacuation and transportation and a followup call to make sure they got what they
needed, he said.
Residents can register at www.registerready.nj.gov or call 211 to access the service.
Margates Emergency Management
Coordinator Jerry Greenberg said those living
at the shore should have a Go Bag
containing all the necessities for surviving an
emergency. The bag should be kept in a
convenient location thats easily accessible
if you have to evacuate quickly.
Items should include three sets of underwear,
socks, pants, shirt, sweater, hooded jacket,
first aid kit, drinking cups, bottles of water, pen
knife, towel, washcloth, soap, matches, protein
bars and a flashlight radio with a wind up
battery, eliminating the need for extra batteries.
He also recommended packing extra plastic
trash bags that can be used to sit on or offer
protection from rain.
But the most important things to pack are
seven days of life-saving medicine with
required dosages packed in marked
containers, and a list of contact information
for relatives.
In an evacuation, you might not remember
your relatives phone numbers, he said.
The list should also include everyone in the
households Social Security numbers, work
contact information, names of doctors and
pharmacies, and contact information for out
of town relatives.
The best way to get emergency notifications
is to register with your communitys CodeRed
notification system on any towns website.
PAGE 27
ST RM
READY
Snap
Classieds
business Directory
(609) 382-4132
When flooding occurs,

keep water safe
Follow these steps to keep your water safe during and after flood
conditions, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Use bottled water that has not been exposed to flood waters if it
is available.
If you dont have bottled water, you should boil water to make it
safe. Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms
that may be present.
If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle,
and draw off the clear water for boiling.
Boil the water for one minute, let it cool, and store it in clean
containers with covers.
If you cant boil water, you can disinfect it using household bleach.
Bleach will kill some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms
that may be in the water.
If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle,
and draw off the clear water for disinfection.
Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household
bleach per each gallon of water. Stir it well and let it stand for at least
30 minutes before you use it.
Store disinfected water in clean containers with covers.
If you have a well that has been flooded, the water should be tested
and disinfected after flood waters recede. If you suspect that your
well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health
department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice.
PAGE 28
PAGE 29
PAGE 30
PAGE 31
PAGE 32
PAGE 33
PAGE 34
PAGE 35
PAGE 36
PAGE 37
PAGE 38
PAGE 39
PAGE 40
PAGE 41
PAGE 42

Storm Ready 2016

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Storm Ready 2016

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Gazettes & Currents / 2016 STORM READY

Its been an average Atlantic storm year

The 2016Atlantic hurricane season got off to

most storms form

Saffir-Simpson explains what hurricane categories mean

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is

likely will result in power outages that could last

Category 1, 74-95 mph

Devastating damage will occur: Well-built

Very dangerous winds will produce some

Category 2, 96-110 mph

Extremely dangerous winds will cause

Category 3, 111-129 mph

Category 4, 130-156 mph

Category 5, 157 mph or higher

Catastrophic damage will occur: A high

The Gazettes & Currents / 2016 STORM READY

Do research before lifting your house

The advantages of living on the shore are

team that goes along with it the contractor

ripping out or augmenting your foundation.

Take steps to reduce hurricane damage to homes

An important part of emergency preparedness

and storage sheds inspected to make sure

The Gazettes & Currents / 2016 STORM READY

The Gazettes & Currents / 2016 STORM READY

Emergency kits like this one are available at redcrossstore.org.

Having these supplies

Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies

The Gazettes & Currents / 2016 STORM READY

The Gazettes & Currents / 2016 STORM READY

A special publication of The Current Newspapers

Phone: 609-601-5200 or 609-624-8900

Register Ready is a free, voluntary and confidential web-based

The Gazettes & Currents / 2016 STORM READY

The Gazettes & Currents / 2016 STORM READY

Taking care of pets is an integral part of sheltering

Evacuating ahead of a storm can be a

Storm Ready Tip

For help identifying pet-friendly

In a declared emergency, Cape May

in an emergency, just as they would their own.

Have a plan to protect your pets during a disaster

Ready.gov, the nations public information

Bring your pets inside immediately.

Separate dogs and cats. Even if your dogs

If you are going to a public shelter, it is

The Gazettes & Currents / 2016 STORM READY

The Gazettes & Currents / 2016 STORM READY

Prudent pruning can prevent tree damage

Falling trees and limbs cause millions of

reduce the possibility of future storm damage.

thrown against a structure during high winds.

The Gazettes & Currents / 2016 STORM READY

The Gazettes & Currents / 2016 STORM READY

How to respond as a hurricane draws near

As a storm is approaching, how you

Turn on your TV or radio to get the latest

Keep your car in good working condition and

Bookmark your city or county website for

Turn on your TV or radio or check your

city/county website every 30 minutes in order

The Gazettes & Currents / 2016 STORM READY

The Gazettes & Currents / 2016 STORM READY