Public Service Announcement: Tropical Storm Preparedness
Attention Residents:
A tropical storm is expected to impact our area soon. Lacey Township will be in a flood watch for the next 48 hours as Tropical Storm Debby continues to move north along the east coast. Several inches of rain are expected during the next 48 hours. Excessive rainfall, higher winds, and tides may make roads along the Barnegat Bay and Forked River impassable. Please keep this in mind when traveling to and from home. Your safety is our top priority. Please take the following steps to ensure you and your family are prepared:
1. Stay Informed:
- Monitor local news and weather reports for updates on the storm's progress.
- Sign up for emergency alerts from Ocean County's Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.
2. Create an Emergency Kit:
- Ensure you have enough water, non-perishable food, medications, and other essentials to last at least three days.
- Include items such as flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and important documents.
3. Secure Your Home:
- Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, and anything that can be picked up by the wind.
- Install storm shutters or board up windows and doors with plywood.
4. Plan for Evacuation:
- Know your evacuation routes and have a plan for where you will go if you need to leave your home.
- Have a go-bag ready with essentials such as clothing, personal hygiene items, and important documents.
5. Protect Your Pets:
- Make sure pets are wearing identification tags and have a safe place to stay.
- Prepare a pet emergency kit with food, water, medications, and comfort items.
6. Stay Safe During the Storm:
- Avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors.
- If you lose power, use flashlights instead of candles to reduce the risk of fire.
7. Power Outages:
- In the event there is a power outage at your residence, use the following for reporting and updates from JCP&L: To report an outage: Text OUT to 544487 (LIGHTS). If you're not enrolled in text messaging, text REG to 544487 to get started. To receive the latest update for your reported outage: Text STAT to 544487
- Customers should immediately report downed wires to 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) or call their local police department.
- JCP&L reminds customers to stay away from downed wires, even if they believe they are no longer carrying electricity. Extra caution should be used in areas where downed lines are tangled with trees or other debris.
- Motorists are cautioned to treat intersections with inoperable traffic signals as four-way stops.
8. Flood Prone Areas:
- If you live in a flood prone area, move your vehicles to higher ground. Residents can park their vehicles at Clune Park, vacant lot at the Lacey Business Park at Route 9 or at Gille Park by the Roller Hockey Rinks. Be sure to lock your vehicles. They will not be monitored.
9. After the Storm:
- Listen to local authorities for information and instructions.
- Avoid flooded areas and downed power lines.
Your preparedness can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones. Stay safe, stay informed, and take all necessary precautions.