Since I last wrote, I have been meeting with the Mayor, the Administration and public safety and riding around the neighborhood. Construction sites appear to be secured and our residents at Fox Hill have been well informed of the storm.
We are now pulling our valuables out of the basement. I did it last year, and begrudgingly, I will do it again. The major concern is the storm surge (very high water) and loss of power. Two things we were lucky enough NOT to have with Irene.
Please read the following closely. And in doing so, since we could loose power, be sure your devices are all charged up. Finally, please keep an eye out for your neighbors, especially the elderly.
Our area is forecast to be hit by a major storm, Hurricane Sandy, which is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain, and potentially record flooding.
The City has issued a mandatory evacuation of all ground floor apartments by midnight tonight (October 28, 2012). Please find a neighbor to stay with if you live in a ground floor unit. If you live on a higher floor, please consider offering for your neighbors to stay with you.
Please pass this note around, and let me know if you see something of concern, or have any other questions.
- Peter Cunningham
Hoboken City Council President
City of Hoboken Update on Hurricane Sandy
Shelter
The City will be opening a shelter at the Wallace School, located at 1100 Willow Avenue at 8pm on October 28. Residents going to the shelter may bring medication, a small toiletry bag, clothing for up to 3 days, and 3 days of baby supplies including diapers and formula. Pets are permitted and must be crated. Please bring enough pet food for three days. Residents who wish to donate non-perishable food for the shelter may drop off items at City Hall.
Emergency Operations Center
An Emergency Operations Center is open staffed by City staff and CERT volunteers. Please call our Emergency Operations Center at 201-239-6644/6645/6647/6648 if you have general questions, in order to alleviate the strain on our public safety officials. For emergencies, residents should call 911 or the Hoboken Police Department at 201-420-2100 and Hoboken Fire Department at 201-420-2005/2007.
High Wind Warning
A high wind warning is in effect from Monday 6am until Tuesday 6pm. Sustained winds of 35-55mph and gusts of 70-80mph are predicted. Residents and businesses should bring in unsecured objects from patios and balconies and secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture which can blow away and cause injury. Please bring garbage cans inside so they do not litter our streets, and if you have a construction zone, please clear and secure the site of all loose materials. The City has brought inside all public trash cans that are not bolted down. Residents are also asked to help clear leaves from sidewalks to avoid catch basins from clogging during the storm.
Garbage Pickup
Regular garbage pickup will occur on Sunday night. Please promptly bring trash bins indoors after pickup has occurred.
Flooding
Please avoid any flooded or barricaded streets. Like many older cities, Hoboken has a combined sewer system, so flood water is a mix of sewage and rain water runoff and poses a health hazard. Man hole covers may also have been displaced, posing a serious threat for pedestrians and drivers. Downed power lines in the water pose an electrocution hazard.
Be prepared
PSE&G has warned that up to 1 million of its 2.2 million customers could experience a power outage, and full restoration could take more than 7 days. For your safety and to ensure that our Police and Fire Departments can respond to all emergencies, it is very important that everyone is fully prepared to stay inside with enough water and food for 72 hours. Assume there will be no power and make certain to have flashlights, and batteries. Charge phones, fill bathtubs and sinks with water, which can be used to flush toilets, and turn refrigerators to the coldest setting and keep them closed.
Schools, Parks & Recreation
Hoboken Public Schools will be closed on Monday, October 29, 2012. Updates will be posted to the Board of Education website: www.hoboken.k12.nj.us and the City’s website. All City parks and playgrounds will be closed at 3pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012 due to wind. All sports league practices scheduled for Monday are cancelled.
For more information visit the City of Hoboken website www.hobokennj.org.
Thank you and stay safe. ◦
