How To Prepare For Hurricane Season In Mercer County

With the National Weather Service predicting a 45 percent chance for an above-normal hurricane season on the horizon, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes is urging residents to prepare and plan for potential storms this summer and fall. Forecasters say there is a 35 percent chance of a near-normal season, and only a 20 percent chance of a below-normal season.

“In Mercer County, we have first-hand experience with how devastating hurricanes and tropical storms can be, so no one should take hurricane season lightly,” Hughes said. “It’s essential that you and your family be ready before a storm strikes, and not put yourselves or others at risk by waiting until the last minute to prepare.”

County officials provided the following tips to help residents prepare for hurricane season:

• Put together a kit of emergency supplies that includes a three-day supply of canned, non-perishable, ready-to-eat food; a three-day supply of water (a total of 3 gallons per family member); prescription medications; a battery-operated radio and extra batteries; a flashlight and extra batteries; and a first aid kit.
• Make a plan for what you and your family will do during an emergency, including how pets will be cared for. Know how you will evacuate and how to “shelter in place,” which means stay home and avoid driving if at all possible.
• Stay informed of possible threats by tuning in to your local media outlets for the latest breaking weather news. Also register for the Mercer County Emergency Notification System at http://www.mercercounty.org/departments/emergency-management-public-safety/mercer-county-emergency-notification-system.

For more information on how to properly prepare your home or business for hurricane season, visit http://ready.nj.gov/plan-prepare/hurricanes.shtml.

Patch file photo