Millburn Fire Officials: Prepare For Hurricane Season

MILLBURN, NJ — According to the Millburn Fire Department, though local residents don't often think of North Jersey as the prime target for a major storm, past hurricanes such as Irene and Sandy have shown that severe weather has the potential to do significant damage to the region.

Millburn fire officials released an advisory on Tuesday, stating that residents should take the time to prepare for hurricane season.

“Hurricanes can cause loss of life and severe damage not only along and near the coastline, but also several hundred miles inland," said Millburn Fire Chief J. Michael Roberts. "Threats from major storm activity include high winds, heavy rains, flooding, rip currents and even tornadoes."

The Millburn Fire Department, in partnership with the Millburn Police Department and affiliated emergency responders, is advising community residents to take safeguards to protect their families and property before a storm hits:

• Know your community's hurricane evacuation plan, and identify various escape routes in case of blocked roads
• Keep your car fueled and maintained, and be sure to keep extra clothes and emergency supplies in your vehicle
• Waterproof your home's basement and ensure that critical utilities, such as electricity and heating systems, are elevated
• Secure or anchor any outside items that may be blown away and become dangerous projectiles in high winds, such as grills, furniture, and fuel tanks
• Consider purchasing optional flood and wind insurance to supplement your homeowner policy
• In the event of a storm, pay attention to alerts and warnings, and stay away from areas that may be prone to flooding
• Never walk or drive through flooded areas
• Listen to alerts and warnings from local officials, and be prepared to seek shelter as advised

"While we can't prevent severe weather, we can often prevent loss of life and property by being prepared and following common-sense guidelines," Roberts said. "As we start the fall season and stay tuned to the weather forecasts, we want to thank the residents of Millburn-Short Hills for their continued vigilance."

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