Today marks the start of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, and Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes is taking this opportunity to advise County residents to plan and prepare for potential tropical storms this summer and fall.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, although the peak time for hurricane and tropical storm activity in New Jersey is mid-August to late October. When they approach land, tropical storms and hurricanes can be extremely deadly and destructive—even as far inland as Mercer County.
“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,” Mr. Hughes urged. “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 Executive Hughes suggests taking the following readiness steps in preparation 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); 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. This includes knowing how to 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 Code Red emergency notification system at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/BF9DC950E8BD.
For more information on how to properly prepare your home or business for hurricane season, visit www.ready.nj.gov/plan/hurricane-before.html.
