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NJ Office of Emergency Management
Colonel Rick Fuentes A/Major Patrick Callahan
Superintendent, New Jersey State Police
State Director of Emergency Management
Commanding Officer, Emergency Management Section

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Mary Goepfert (609) 963-6818 November 25, 2013

Christie Administration Monitoring High-Impact Coastal Storm

NJ Office of Emergency Management Offers Caution Regarding Deteriorating Travel Conditions – Impact Expected Later Tomorrow

W. TRENTON – The NJ Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) is monitoring a coastal storm expected to impact the State starting tomorrow, bringing with it heavy rain, high winds and small stream and minor coastal flooding. There may be winter precipitation in the northern areas of the State, due to below-normal temperatures.  The event coincides with the start of key travel times around the Thanksgiving holiday.

“We have experienced a long period of below-normal rainfall; however, we face changing conditions,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, State Police Superintendent and Director of the NJ Office of Emergency Management. “We are closely monitoring the situation with our partners from the National Weather Service and the County Offices of Emergency Management.   Be especially careful if you are traveling.  We remind drivers not to drive through ponded or standing water.  As little as six inches of water can cause drivers to lose control of the car or cause stalling.”

The following is a list of general preparedness tips for motorists during adverse weather conditions:

  • Before you go: Drivers should inform someone that they are taking a trip, where they are going, the routes that will be traveled, and when they are expected to return. Upon reaching their destination, drivers should call to report arrival. If traveling a long distance, please remember to fill up on fuel prior to making your trip. While traveling, stop frequently to refill the fuel tank. The breaks will help drivers stay alert.
  • On the road: Follow the rules of the road and adhere to the following guidelines:
  • Always buckle your seat belt.
  • Brake properly to avoid skidding. If driving on snow or ice, start slowly and brake gently. Begin braking early when approaching an intersection.
  • If the vehicle starts to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until regaining traction, and then straighten the vehicle. For vehicles with antilock brakes, apply steady pressure.
  • In rain, fog, snow or sleet, stay within the limits of your vision. If it is too difficult to see, pull off the road and stop.
  • Drive slowly and increase following distance. Vehicle speed should adjust for conditions and match the flow of traffic.
  • Watch for slick spots. Be physically and mentally prepared to react.
  • Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.
  • Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.
  • Do not try to take short cuts. They may be blocked. Stick to designated evacuation routes.
  • Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

As we approach the winter weather season, the NJOEM urges everyone to maintain situational awareness about weather events. Below are resources for staying in-the-know, choose the type that best meets your needs:

On the Web - Use credible websites to get information about natural hazards and emergency preparedness. The NJOEM works closely with the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center regarding storm predictions and forecasts.  The NJOEM website contains links to the County OEM social media pages and alerting systems. 

Social Media - Social media is used by the NJOEM, and by emergency managers statewide.

Alerts - Mobile / Text (SMS) & E-Mail

  • NIXLE - Subscribe to the NJ State Police (NJSP) on Nixle Connect at http://local.nixle.com/new-jersey-state-police/. New Jersey residents can register to receive messages by sending a text message with their zip code to 888777 (data rates may apply depending on your plan). Online registration is also available at www.nixle.com
  • NJ Alert - NJ Alert is a free, voluntary and confidential emergency alerting system that allows NJ Office of Emergency Management officials to send E-mail or text messages to cell phones, and other email enabled devices during an emergency event. Sign up for NJ Alert by logging on to: www.njalert.gov.
  • CMAS -the Community Mobile Alert System - this nationwide system is now beingused the National Weather Service to transmit urgent weather info to your cell phone. A warning means the hazard is imminent; a watch means conditions are favorable for the hazard to occur. Your cell phone must be WEA (Wireless Emergency Alert) enabled to receive these messages.

Traditional Media

  • Continue to monitor traditional media sources – TV, newspapers and radio – to stayinformed of breaking news and continued coverage of emergency events.
  • Find out if your community has a “reverse 9-1-1” system or if you can opt-in for email updates from municipal officials.
  • NOAA Weather Radio - is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service Office. NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. NOAA Weather Radios are typically inexpensive, easily available in stores and can often be programmed for your specific area.

 

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To stay informed about disasters and emergencies in New Jersey via social media, follow the NJOEM on Twitter @ReadyNJ, "like" us on www.facebook.com/READYNEWJERSEY, or get email and text message alerts via www.Nixle.com or www.njalert.gov.