Politics & Government

Manchester Prepares For Hurricane Irene

Storm expected to impact the Jersey Shore this weekend

As Hurricane Irene this weekend, Manchester residents are preparing for what could be a rainy and windy few days.

"I'm just getting all the things I need in case the electricity goes out," said township resident Lois Gonzales, who bought cold cuts, water, batteries and other supplies at the on Route 70. Since her home has an electric stove, Gonzales said that she needed easy-to-prepare food.

Gonzales was one of the many who packed the grocery store on Thursday to buy supplies as Gov. Chris Christie .

Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"There hasn't been parking since 8 a.m.," said Jane Garwacki, Manchester ShopRite's customer service representative. "We have all of the registers open."

Garwacki said that she expects even more shoppers tomorrow as residents watch the hurricane's path.

Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Manchester officials are also forming their response to the storm.

"Hurricanes can be unpredictable in their movement, that is why it is very important to follow the track of the storm," said the township's Emergency Management Coordinator Arthur Abline. "That is exactly what the OEM office is doing at this time to better prepare for the possibility of this or any other hurricane making landfall."

are also tracking Irene's progress and will make the decision of whether to add more officers this weekend as the storm nears, said Capt. Lisa Parker.

"I'm sure [Chief of Police Brian Klimakowski] will put out extra patrols to deal with the increased calls, if needed," she said.

Abline said that evacuation routes and shelters, if necessary, would be announced over FM radio stations.

"So it is also important to have a battery-operated radio handy as well as extra batteries," he said.

Should an evacuation notice be issued, Abline said that those affected should make their way to the announced shelter site in an orderly manner.

Shelter sites, if necessary, would be selected based on their safety and closeness to the location of the population requiring the evacuation, Parker said. They may include local schools or fire houses.

If flooding occurs, Abline warned residents not to attempt to drive or walk through the water.

"Turn around and go a different route," he said.

Abline said that residents should listen to emergency management and police officials as the storm approaches and stock up on supplies, should forecasters predict an intense storm hit the area.

At the on Route 70, assistant manager Gene Murphy said that many shoppers were buying storm essentials.

"We've been bringing in generators, bottled water and building materials to make sure that we're ready for the storm," he said, adding that a plan is in place to have the store open following a potential hurricane strike so residents can begin making any necessary repairs.

Shoppers Geneen Giberson and her neighbor Bobbi Pratt, of Lakehurst, exited the store with 10 gallons of water, an emergency radio and protective covers for basement windows. Their next stop — the gas station to fill up their cars and an ATM to have money on-hand should power go out.

Though her purchases and plans suggest a certain amount of caution, Pratt said that the storm still does not have her too worried.

"I'm concerned enough," she said.

The following are storm preparedness recommendations from Abline: 

  • Water – at least one (1) gallon of water per person per day (for sanitary and cooking needs).
  • Food – at least a 3-7 day supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare food.
  • Flashlight and battery operated radio and extra batteries.
  • First Aid Kit.
  • Personal Medications (7-day supply) contact lenses, glasses, syringes, cane, etc.
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list, insurance documents, medical.
  • Information, passports, birth certificates, etc.
  • Extra cash (as ATM machines may be down).
  • Emergency blanket, clothes, pillows, sleeping bags, rain gear, etc.
  • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers, etc.).
  • Pet supplies (collar, leash, cage, ID, food, carrier, bowl, etc.).
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen.
  • Camera for photos of damage.
  • Contact numbers for family and friends.
  • Fully charged cell phone and extra cell phone battery (and car charger), etc.
  • Toy, books, games etc. for the kids.
  • Make sure your vehicle’s gas tank is full.


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