Matawan & Aberdeen Residents: Be Prepared for Approaching Hurricane Sandy

The latest update from the National Weather Service indicates that a powerful and dangerous autumn storm is approaching Monmouth County. Although it is still too early to determine exactly when the storm will hit and how strong it will be, high winds, heavy rainfall, coastal flooding and beach erosion are anticipated between Sunday, Oct. 28 and Tuesday, Oct. 30. 

As the hurricane tracks this way, residents are being asked to take certain precautions to ensure their safety.

Secure Outdoor Items

The storm's strong winds may blow unsecured items around, causing damage to property or posing dangers to other people.

• Place loose items such as outdoor furniture inside your garage or shed, or tie it securely down.
• Remove propane tanks from grills.

Prepare to Relocate From Flood-Prone Areas

The storm's heavy rain combined with a full moon is expected to cause coastal flooding. If you live in a flood-prone area, you should prepare to relocate inland just in case. 

• Gather important documents, such as your insurance policy, in one easy-to-reach place and seal them in a waterproof cover. Make sure to grab them if you must relocate.
• Gather necessary medications and store them in a waterproof cover. Make sure to grab them if you must relocate.

Report Power Outages to Jersey Central Power & Light

Do not report power outages to your local police department, as this will clog phone lines needed for true emergencies.

• Check your circuit breaker box to be sure the problem isn’t just with your home. If not, report the outage to Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) at 1-888-544-4877 or by visiting its online outage report system. You can also follow outage reports in the area through JCP&L's interactive map.

Prepare Your Home for a Power Outage

The best way to handle a power outage is to be prepared. Please remember to never go near a downed power line for any reason.

• Assemble a kit of emergency supplies, including batteries, flashlights, a radio, a first-aid kit, medications, food and water to last three or more days, a can opener, cooking tools and toiletries. 

Knowledge is Power

Make sure you are staying up to date on safety information and keeping an eye on the storm.

• Follow Matawan-Aberdeen Patch on Facebook 
• Get Matawan-Aberdeen Patch Breaking News Alerts
• Get emergency alerts from Matawan Borough and Aberdeen Township
• Follow the Matawan Police Department on Facebook
• Check out the Matawan Borough website
• Check out the Aberdeen Township website
• Follow the Monmouth County Government on Facebook
• Follow the NJ Office of Emergency Management on Facebook.
• Sign up for text and email alerts from the NJ Office of Emergency Management.
• Visit www.ready.gov or www.MonmouthSheriff.org for additional preparedness information.
• Check out the NJ Hurricane Survival Guide, which includes staying informed through traditional and social media, staying close and connected to family and getting emergency supplies.