SNOW STORM UPDATE: Gov. Murphy declares state of emergency

March 6, 2018 Pascack Press
Photo courtesy Youtube.com

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Trenton, New Jersey — Have a plan and supplies, and monitor online state resources, said Gov. Phil Murphy as he announced a state of emergency in New Jersey ahead of a winter storm expected to begin this evening and continue throughout Wednesday, March 7.

The state shared these tips for dealing with the snowfall:

 

Important Tips to Remember

  • If you are told to evacuate from a flooded area, GO!
  • Secure loose items in your yard such as trash cans, children’s toys, and lawn ornaments.
  • Move vehicles parked in flood prone areas to higher ground.
  • Have cash on hand. If the power is out, so are the ATMs and credit card machines.
  • Gas up your cars ahead of the storm. The gas pumps will not work without power or may be too damaged to open afterwards.
  • Be sure to check on friends and neighbors who have access or functional needs.
  • Be sure to have extra medications on hand and keep them in a water resistant container.
  • Get all of your vital records and insurance papers together NOW. Keep them in a water resistant container. If you can, scan and email them to yourself so you have a copy of important numbers and policies, etc.
  • Charge up your cell phones and try not to use them if the power goes out. Texting uses less power than a cell call, so use text messaging when possible to save power.
  • Discuss business continuity plans now. Whether you are the boss or report to a boss, discuss your game plan for continued business operations.
  • NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.
  • Know where your utility shut off valves (gas, electric, water) are and how to use them.
  • Know how to report a power outage to your utility company.

The storm is particularly troubling for areas of the state north west of Bergen County that are still struggling with power outages from last-Friday’s nor’easter, Murphy said. The state offers this advice for dealing with power outages:

During a Power Outage: Safety Tips

 

  • Only use flashlights for emergency lighting, candles can cause fires.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
  • Put on layers of warm clothing if it is cold outside. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (the home of a relative or friend, or a public facility) that has heat to keep warm. Call NJ 2-1-1 for additional resources.
  • Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a momentary power “surge” that can damage computers and other devices. Consider adding surge protectors.
  • Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home’s electrical system.