National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 22 through May 28th

Cape May County Office of Emergency Management Advises Residents be Prepared

Cape May County – Cape May County Freeholder Ralph E. Sheets, Jr. reminds residents that the 2011 Hurricane season runs From June 1^st through November 30, 2011.

The Cape May County Office of Emergency Management advises all Cape May County residents and visitors to plan and prepare for potential tropical summer storms. Freeholder Sheets said, “As evidenced in the past this time frame can vary. Although the Hurricane season starts June 1^st, the peak time for hurricane and tropical storm activity in New Jersey runs from mid-August through the end of October.” 

The combination of warm ocean water, humid air and consistent winds contribute to the formation of “tropical cyclones” – low-pressure systems of circulating winds, clouds and thunderstorms – over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. As they gain strength, these cyclones are classified as tropical depressions, tropical storms or hurricanes. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale rates hurricane strengths, from Category 1 to Category 5. Most of these storms remain over the ocean without affecting the U.S. coastline. When they approach land, tropical storms and hurricanes can be extremely deadly and destructive – even as far north as New Jersey, and even when they do not make landfall.  

The State Office of Emergency Management plans to increase individual preparedness messaging this season. Also, the State’s awareness messages begin this week to coincide with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Hurricane Preparedness Week, which began May 22.

The County is urging residents to be prepared. There are basic steps that residents, businesses, and workers in the County can take to increase their individual level of preparedness for a hurricane or any type of emergency event.

The Cape May County Office of Emergency Management suggests the following readiness steps in preparation for Hurricane Season:

• “Get a Kit” of emergency supplies – the items that will help you stay self-sufficient for up to three days. Items such as, bottled water, battery powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries, non-perishable foods, and necessary prescription drugs. Remember to include extra cash in the event ATMs are not working.

• “Make a Plan” for what you and your family will do during an emergency – this includes knowing how to evacuate and how to Shelter-in-Place. Who to contact and how to remain in contact should family members become separated during an emergency event. Remember to maintain at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle at all times.

• “Stay Informed” during Hurricane Season. Tune into your local media outlets for the latest breaking weather news. 

Additionally, Cape May County Office of Emergency Management remains in constant communication with the New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, Municipal Emergency Management Coordinators as well as other county, state and federal partners. These relationships allow the County to deliver vital information to the public as well as respond in a timely manner.

Cape May County Emergency Management Director Frank McCall said “We are committed and dedicated to planning and preparing for all storms during hurricane season and beyond. Once again this year, the Freeholders will host An Emergency Preparedness Conference on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 – right in the middle of Hurricane Season, as an effort to keep our community informed.”

For more information regarding Hurricane Season and how to properly prepare please visit capemaycountygov.net, www.ready.nj.gov/plan/hurricane-before.html.

Be a fan of Cape May County Government on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter and stay updated on the news and weather information that affects our community.

Lenora Boninfante, Director Cape May County Communications Department 4 Moore Road Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 Phone: (609) 463-6678 Fax: (609) 463-0286 Email: pubinfo [at] co [dot] cape-may [dot] nj [dot] us (pubinfo [at] co [dot] cape-may [dot] nj [dot] us)