Message From Mayor Malool on Hurricane Irene

The sun may be shining now, but as you are all well aware, a major storm is on its way. I want to assure our residents that Scotch Plains Police, Fire, EMS and Office of Emergency Management have been working diligently to make sure that our citizens are protected during this hurricane, and are being continually updated from the County OEM and the Governor’s Office. As of 7 p.m., the latest updates predict 39-57 mph winds beginning around 8 p.m. on Saturday, increasing to 58-73 MPH early on Sunday. Rain could start as early as Saturday morning and become heavy Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.

As we brace for Hurricane Irene, I would like to remind everyone to use extreme caution during this serious and potentially dangerous storm. Heavy rains and strong winds are expected and flooding is possible. Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Please remember to take steps to secure your property and ensure the safety of your families.

You should have enough water and food on hand in the event of lengthy power outages. If you see any downed wires, contact the Scotch Plains Police Department. Please only use 911 for emergencies, and use 322-7100 for all other police calls.

In the unlikely event that evacuations should become necessary, the township will activate the instant alert system as well as make an announcement on SP-TV 34 and on the Township website. 

Pre-designated shelter locations will be open at that time. For additional information, you can log onto the Township website, www.scotchplainsnj.com or the state OEM web site at www.ready.nj.gov for preparedness information and updates.

Please share the following information with your family:

CREATE A DISASTER PLAN FOR YOUR FAMILY

• Include two places for family members to meet if separated; two ways to evacuate your home, if required; teach children how to dial 911;
• Have phone numbers handy for out of area friends who can assist;
• STORE AT LEAST THREE DAYS OF EMERGENCY SUPPLIES. Water- one gallon of water, per day for each person. Water for cooking, washing and sanitation; Food- Non-perishable, needing little or no cooking, high nutrition type. Special dietary food if needed.
• Eating and drinking utensils. Bottle and can openers.
• Communications- Battery operated radio and flashlights with extra batteries, cell phone with extra battery.
• Clothing and bedding- Complete change of clothing for each person, appropriate for season. Sturdy shoes, extra socks and underwear, rain gear, boots and sleeping bags.
• STORE SANITARY NEEDS: Soap, washcloth, towels, toothpaste and brushes, shaving items, mirror, paper towels and toilet paper, baby supplies, first aid kits, medication etc.
• KNOW WHERE VALUABLE PAPERS ARE STORED. Social Security cards, birth certificates, drivers license, credit cards, wills, bank books, insurance policies.

Review these items with family members not living with you.

• Advise a trusted neighbor how to contact family members from out of the area.

SENIORS AND NEIGHBORS WORKING TOGETHER

• Meet with your neighbors; make sure a plan to assist disabled or elderly neighbors in case of an emergency situation.  Assist your needy neighbors with family disaster plans, family disaster kits and evacuation plans.
• Many older citizens’ have unique concerns, medical needs and assistance with just getting around.  In emergency situations they will have to depend on caring neighbors.
• Neighbors working together and communicating with each other will make for better living conditions at all times, not only during Emergencies!

CHILDREN & DISASTERS

Disaster and large-scale emergency events such as this one, can be frightening for adults, but they are traumatic for children if they don’t know what to do.  During a disaster, your family may have to leave your home and daily routine and children may become anxious, confused or frightened.  As an adult, you’ll need to cope with the disaster in a way that will help children avoid developing a permanent sense of loss.

In a disaster, they’ll look to you and other adults for help.  How you react to an emergency gives them clues on how to act.  Your children will react with more confidence if you prepare a family disaster plan.

Immediately after the disaster, try to reduce your children’s fear and anxiety by keeping the family together calmly and firmly explain the situation, encouraging children to talk about what happened.

Reassure them with firmness and love…Your children will realize that life will eventually return to normal. A good start would be to hug your children today! 

Your safety is our No. 1 priority. Please be smart and stay safe this weekend.

Mayor Nancy Malool