Maplewood Designates DeHart Center as Hurricane Shelter

Captain Paul Conlon of Maplewood Police Department issued this statement at 3:48 p.m. Friday:

As of yet there is no emergency declared in Maplewood or Essex County but that may change as the storm gets closer.

We will establish shelter areas starting with the DeHart Community Center, 120 Burnett Avenue first if the need arises. Other locations will be opened based on the situation. If necessary, we will release information to local news sources, such as The Patch, and can always implement the Code Red notification system for the residents.

The Police Department, Fire department, and DPW are all making preparations for the storm to handle any emergencies that may arise. I would recommend that residents follow the advice given by local news stations and utilize them for continued updates on the storm. Simple precautions such as storing food and water, batteries, and flashlights in the event of lost power would be very helpful.  Residents should also keep cell phones charged for emergency use.

To better prepare for the storm there will be no overnight parking allowed on any street in Maplewood beginning Friday night through the weekend to at least Monday morning.

Chief of Police Robert Cimino told Patch on Friday, "We've prepped the best we can until now, and we will handle situations as they arise."

Director of Public Work Eric Burbank said, "We are prepping and fueling all the trucks and equipment so we can roll as soon as we get called in."

An email notice from the Township of Maplewood provided additional information:

If a Township tree falls near your house please call the Police Department. Please let them know if the tree took any wires down with it. If wires do come down with the tree, the DPW will have to wait until PSEG gives them permission to work on the tree.

If a hazardous condition exists, the residents should not wander outside of their homes during or after the storm until emergency services respond to the condition. At that time, they will advise you as to what action should be taken.

Please do NOT call the Department of Public Works for a flooding or tree emergency during the weekend hours, these calls should go directly to the Police Department.

In emergency, dial 9-1-1. Residents can reach the desk officer at the police department at 973-762-3402. Those who need to get to the DeHart Center shelter should contact the police department at 973-762-1234 for assistance.

Where is Hurricane Irene? Click here for a storm tracker map, courtesy of The Weather Channel. The Huffington Post has an interactive map here.