WEST MILFORD Mike Woch from The West Milford Office of Emergency Management has released the following message. Hurricanes are a normal phenomenon, which occur every year, particularly between June 1 and Nov. 30. This year the National Hurricane Center has predicted that a storm could strike the East coast, possibly in this area. All residents need to be prepared for the effects of a hurricane or severe weather. Each household, visitor, and business must develop a plan of action for hurricanes and severe weather for the protection of family, home, autos and pets. A hurricane is a tropical storm with constant winds greater than 74 miles per hour. These winds can extend inland for hundreds of miles. Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes, which add to its potential destruction because of the tropical nature of a hurricane. They contain rain and sometimes the torrential rain will cause floods and flash flooding. Develop a plan (1) Develop a family plan (including pets). (2) Obtain the necessary materials to protect your windows and doors. (3) Check your roof and the structure of your house. Make necessary repairs. (4) Trim trees and branches (5) Check your fire extinguishers (6) Identify a friend or family member (outside the area) that will keep information about how you are doing. Instruct others to get this information from them. (7) Put together a hurricane survival kit (www.fema.gov). (8) If you are instructed to evacuate by local officials - do so. It may be impossible for help to get to you during the storm. During a hurricane (9) During a hurricane, monitor local media for emergency instructions. (10) Stay indoors, stay away from windows, and locate in a safe room. (11) Do not go outside in the calm of the hurricane “eye.” In the “eye,” winds and rain may stop for a few minutes or more than an hour. Beware - winds will return with greater intensity from the opposite direction. (12) Call 911 only for emergencies. (13) Do not use candles. Use flashlights and battery powered lanterns. Home health care and homebound (14) If you are a homebound patient and/or dependent of any medical device that requires electricity, contact your Office of Emergency Management. If you require oxygen, check with your supplier about emergency plans. If you evacuate, remember to take medications and written instructions regarding your care. (15) If you need to evacuate, register now with your Office of Emergency Management. Remember during the storm it may be impossible for emergency responders to reach you. After the storm After a disaster, you may be without power, water, food or any of the services and businesses we rely on. Immediate response may not be possible, so residents must be self-reliant for days Re-entry Be patient - access to affected areas will be controlled. To prevent looting and injuries, roads may be blocked, trees and power lines down Local radio and TV stations will be a key source of information concerning aid Have a valid local identification Avoid driving For your own safety Avoid down and dangling wires when clearing debris and fallen trees. Treat all power lines as energized Beware of standing water - it may contain power lines Be careful with fire, avoid candles, and use battery flashlights and lanterns Use your telephone only for emergencies If there has been flooding, have an electrician inspect your home before turning on the breaker Use grills outdoors in a well ventilated area Do not connect portable generators to building wiring. (This could cause injury or death to neighbors or linemen trying to restore power). Plug appliances directly into generator. (Always run generators outside and away from your home. West Milford’s main evacuation point is Hillcrest Community Center. If you are forced to evacuate, bring blankets, sleeping bags and personal items. Remember, the emergency evacuation shelter will not accept pets. Additional shelters will be opened as needed. For further information on hurricane supplies (www.fema.gov).