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NJ Office of Emergency Management
Colonel Rick Fuentes Major Dennis McNulty
Superintendent, New Jersey State Police
State Director of Emergency Management
Commanding Officer, Emergency Management

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Nicholas J. Morici
(609) 882-2000 ext. 6209
(609) 273-7008 - cell
October 15, 2009

NJOEM Warns of Potential Weekend Flooding

New Jersey State Police Headquarters, Trenton, NJ – Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police and Director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, in conjunction with the National Weather Service, is advising of a coastal flood watch this evening into the weekend.

The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management is closely monitoring an approaching rainstorm, which could result in elevated water levels, flash flooding and heavy winds. Colonel Fuentes is advising state residents and commuters to prepare for the possibility of minor to moderate flooding in coastal, back bay and river communities located throughout the Garden State. The following are some basic flood safety tips:

WHEN DRIVING

  • NEVER ignore barriers that warn of flooded or dangerous roads!
  • AVOID areas that are already flooded, and areas that are subject to flooding. Seek higher ground.
  • NEVER try to drive through swift water. The depth of water is not always obvious. The roadbed may be washed out, leaving a deep pit.
  • If your vehicle stalls or is suddenly caught in rising water, LEAVE IT IMMEDIATELY! and seek higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempting to move a stalled vehicle during a flood.
  • DO NOT park or camp your vehicle along streams and washes, especially during threatening conditions.
  • Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

WHEN ON FOOT

  • If you come upon a flowing stream where the water is higher than your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way.
  • Seek higher ground. NEVER try to walk or swim through swift water.
  • Children must NEVER play in floodwater! Keep them away from drainage outlets and storm water retention basins.
  • Remember that floodwaters may also cause health hazards due to contamination or electricity.

For more flood related information, as well as weather and traffic reports please log on to: http://www.ready.nj.gov or dial 211.

Also, for real time flood updates, courtesy of the National Weather service, please log on to: http://newweb.erh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=phi

 

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