JERSEY SHORE – The latest forecast calls for sustained winds and flooding along the coast this week due to Tropical Storm Isaias, and officials are warning residents to prepare for the worst.
“Today (Monday, Aug. 3) is the day to get prepared if you haven’t already,” said Ocean Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “While it may be a beautiful day today, tomorrow’s weather will be a different story.”
Residents should walk around their homes and look for anything that could be blown away or pushed over, officials said. They should secure them any way possible. This goes for visitors as well.
Boats should be secured. Cars should be moved to higher ground if you’re in flood-prone area so that the water doesn’t get into the engine. A lot of vehicles are totaled after huge storms because of this.
Deck furniture, outside umbrellas, flags, portable basketball hoops, garbage cans, and loose rain spouts should be secured.
The strong winds might cause power outages. You should always assume a downed power line is still live and deadly. Keep battery-operated flashlights handy. Charge your electronics before it gets really bad so you have them for when the storm hits.
To report an outage to Jersey Central Power and Light:
- Text OUT to 544487
- Online at firstenergycorp.com/jersey_central_power_light.html
- Use the JCP&L smartphone app (iPhone and Android)
- Via the “Report an Outage” tab on Facebook
- Call 888-LIGHTSS (888-544-4877) to report power outages or downed power lines.
To report an outage to Atlantic City Electric:
- Call 1-800-833-7476, follow the prompts, and ask for a call back to confirm that power has been restored.
- Use their mobile app
- Visit atlanticcityelectric.com/storm
These storms might have dangers that you can’t even see – like rip currents. Listen to lifeguards to determine if swimming is safe.
“Storms often raise curiosity and people want to go see what the ocean may look like,” Vicari said. “It’s really best to stay in a secure place until the storm passes. Venturing out can put you and our emergency responders at risk.”
If you must drive, motorists should always follow the rule of “turn around don’t drown” when you see flooded roadways.
For more information on hurricane and storm preparedness visit the Ocean County website at co.ocean.nj.us and click on Be Prepared, Office of Emergency Management.
