Local Emergency Responders Monitoring Hurricane Earl

Millburn police are watching the forecast for Hurricane Earl carefully, but right now they don't think the hurricane will affect New Jersey.

"We're monitoring the situation, but it's not supposed to hit New Jersey," said Lt. Peter T. Eakley. "If something changes, we will prepare for it."

They'll continue to monitor the situation, and if anything changes Millburn emergency responders will prepare for the storm, he said. Eakley said how they prepare depends on how the storm would track through the area and could include preparing emergency shelters and clearing catch basins.

The current forecast for Hurricane Earl has it passing off the coast of New Jersey on Friday, according to the National Weather Service's website. There is a 40 percent chance for rain in the forecast for Friday, according to the service's forecast for Essex County.

Meanwhile, the Millburn-Short Hills Chapter of the American Red Cross is checking on supplies and volunteer availability in case the storm does affect the area, according to Robin Kirchner, chapter director of emergency services.

The local chapter also provided a fact sheet about hurricane preparedness, which includes the following tips:

• Check your disaster supplies and replace and restock as needed.
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind like bicycles and lawn furniture.
• Fill your car's gas tank.
• Create an evacuation plan with members of your household.

The fact sheet also includes a number of supplies a family should have on hand including a radio with extra batteries, water, a first aid kit, cell phone with charger and medications.