Police Chief and OEM Coordinator Rob Lawson says officials are continuing to take extra precautions for what has the potential of being a dangerous storm for Lakewood and the rest of the region early next week.
Though officials won’t know the exact path of the storm until it gets closer, “Always plan for the worst”, the Chief says.
The following is the latest briefing – updated Friday afternoon:
•A hurricane or strong tropical storm will affect the mid-Atlantic region late this weekend into early next week. Sandy will bring multiple dangers to our area:
• Strong damaging sustained winds up to or exceeding hurricane strength (74 mph) over a prolonged period of time (24 to 48 hours). Gusts will be higher.
• Extremely heavy rainfall.
• Major flooding along streams and rivers.
• Major coastal flooding. The full moon on October 29 just makes things worse.
The eventual track of this storm will determine the area which is impacted. While Sandy could still track a little further to our north, or a little further to our south, we will be feeling her effects one way or the other starting late this weekend (Sunday), continuing into Tuesday of next week.
The Chief says he has contacted the County to open up their shelters for the homeless – who are in the most danger during such storms.
Additionally, the Chief has contacted local Churches as well as the Lakewood High School to see to it that their premises be used for shelters for the general public, should there be a need for it.
In previous storms, the High School was used as a shelter and was staffed by the Red Cross. Food and water is provided at these shelters in case of emergency.
The Chief also strongly encourages residents to stock up on some important household items such as food, water, flashlights, batteries, medications and anything else which you may have difficulty obtaining during a storm.
Filling up on gas in your vehicle is also a good idea, says the Chief, should there be the need to evacuate.
Als0, homeowners are strongly encouraged to tie down any loose items around the outside of their homes which could cause severe property damage in the event of high winds.
As in previous storms, TLS will continues to monitor the storm and keep you posted with any new developments.
You can also get our NEWS ALERTS by sending ‘Follow Lakewoodscoop’ to the number ‘40404’.
We don’t have homeless people do we? Hopefully tent city ties down their tents good and make sure their roofs are waterproof. Be safe
We are being sent a sign from the one Above..
He is telling us that if we don’t get rid of Tent City He will take care of it Himself.
When are we finally going to learn our lesson?
Let us do our best to rid ourselves of Tent City before this vicious storm strikes so we can spare ourselves the wrath of the One Above. Amen!
cant wait to see the gas stations start their price gouging
Get a generator! Thanks to Ap Electric for installing ours when we had last storm!
What did the generator cost you?
to #2 where do you expect the people from tent city go? there are about 80 people living there, where should the go?
to #2
You really think that g_d is sending a hurricane to rid us of tent city? I don’t think g_d has so little compassion that he would destroy a homeless village and potentially kill them.
Don’t tie your own prejudices to g_d please.
Tip: Make extra cholent for Shabbos because we may be limited to leftovers this week 🙂
leave tent city alone, that was an alful thing to say G-D FORGIVE YOU
Oh boy here it comes.
Opening the Churches is wonderful, but how about opening the hundreds of yeshivas, bais faigas and synagogues to everyone who needs shelter?
TOOK IT OUT AGAIN
Stormaggedon 2012! I already recieved multiple emails from verizon, my insurance company etc. planning for power outage closed roads etc and packed with advice on what to do!
jcpl says 7 to 10 days gets them off the hook for poor work !!!!
has there been a briefing between OEM and the other emergency units,,you know the fire department and 1st aid. if not why not they are the one who leave family and make it safe for e veryone .Chief brief everyonee and not wait til sundown