On October 27, 2012, NJ Governor Chris Christie Declared a Statewide Weather State of Emergency Ahead of Hurricane Sandy. “As we move towards what is an increasingly likelihood of seeing Sandy make landfall in New Jersey, I am urging all New Jerseyans to take every possible and reasonable precaution to ready themselves for the storm’s potential impact. That means having an emergency action plan for their families and other loved ones who may require assistance, and avoiding unnecessary risks in the severe weather, including staying off of the roads,” said Governor Christie.

Lakewood Chaveirim Volunteer Services is ready, in full gear, to assist during the pending storm;

FOR EMERGENCIES.

Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland. Hurricane can produce winds exceeding 155 miles per hour as well as tornadoes and microburst’s. Additionally, hurricanes can create storm surges along the coast and cause extensive damage from heavy rainfall. Floods and flying debris from the excessive winds are often the deadly and destructive results of these weather events. Slow moving hurricanes traveling into mountainous regions tend to produce especially heavy rain. Excessive rain can trigger landslides or mud slides. Flash flooding can occur due to intense rainfall.

Lakewood Chaveirim presents the following precautions on how to prepare for a hurricane.

Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.

Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. Especially basement residents; by making sure the drain outside your home is clear you can prevent flooding.
Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
Install a generator for emergencies;
Never try to connect a generator to your fuse box alone, USE A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN ONLY.
NEVER leave a generator running indoors or in a garage you can CHAS VESHOLOM cause carbon Monoxide poisoning.
If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.

During a Hurricane

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

Listen to the radio for information.
Do not drive on the roads unless it is an emergency or crucial for you to be on the road.
Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
Turn off propane tanks
Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water. Make sure young children cannot enter room with filled bathtubs.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

If you live in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.
Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.
Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
Avoid elevators.

May we hope that by taking the proper precautions and Siyata D’Shmaya we all stay safe.

(YWN Desk – NYC)