Ridgewood Is 'Prepared' For Hurricane Joaquin, Officials Say

Ridgewood officials say they are doing everything they can to prepare for Hurricane Joaquin and want residents to do the same.

“The village is prepared and will be prepared to perform all of our vital functions for the community in a time of emergency,” said Jeremy Kleiman, director of the village’s Office of Emergency Management. “However, residents need to take responsibility to prepare themselves and their families for any emergency situation.”

Kleinman urges residents to register for emergency notifications on the village website. important information will also be posted on the website’s homepage.

Gov. Chris Christie declared a state of emergency Thursday as Hurricane Joaquin continued on its path that could strike New Jersey.

The state Emergency Operations Center has been activated. Christie promised that, if do need to be evacuated, “we will give you as much advance notice as I possibly can.”

Hurricane Joaquin has strengthened to a Category 3 storm, packing 120 mph winds, forecasters said. A Category 3 typically packs winds ranging from 111 to 130 mph, and can cause significant damage, according to the National Hurricane Center. Category 3 storms can also cause extensive inland flooding, cause power outages and impact water supplies.