TOMS RIVER – With Tropical Storm Ida approaching, SUEZ has announced their preparation plan to protect facilities and infrastructure which are vital to keeping customers well supplied during severe weather conditions.
The region is predicted to receive widespread rainfall, significant flooding, flash flooding and thunderstorms, the National Weather Service said.
“Our teams closely monitor the weather and will be prepared to make any adjustments necessary to maintain residents’ water quality and service, the integrity of our water and wastewater treatment plants, supply dams and precious water supplies,” Jim Mastrokalos, Director of Operations of SUEZ Operations in South Jersey said. “When the National Weather Service predicts a storm, our goal is to respond as quickly as possible to all emergency situations that may arise, rapidly restore any disrupted services and keep the water flowing.”
Currently, SUEZ serves more than 180,000 customers in Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Some measurements SUEZ will be taking includes testing backup generators, ensuring that water storage facilities are full and maintaining an extra supply of water treatment compounds, Mastrokalos said. In addition, company officials will work closely with local emergency response teams to coordinate emergency preparation and response activities.
“Many local agencies and organizations team together with SUEZ to prepare for hurricanes and other severe storms,” Mastrokalos said. “We also urge our customers to be weather ready by checking personal emergency preparedness plans now, before an emergency strikes.”
It’s recommending that customers have emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries and food before an emergency arises.
“While SUEZ will always to do its best to maintain service during an emergency, we encourage our customers to store extra tap water in clean, food-grade storage containers,” Mastrokalos said.
Make sure to clean containers with soap and water before filled them with drinking water. Label containers properly and include a storage date. Do not store containers in direct sunlight or in areas near toxic substances such as gasoline or chemicals. Additional, helpful emergency preparedness tips are available at fema.gov.
If an emergency action plan is activated, customers can obtain updated information by calling 877-565-1456 or visiting mysuezwater.com.
