Forecasters: Hurricane Irene to Hit Jersey Shore by Weekend

Hurricane Irene, currently a category-3 storm bearing down on the Bahamas, is expected to hit the Jersey Shore area by Sunday, forecasters predict.

How hard the storm will hit is not known. But current predictions from the National Weather Service put the storm arriving in the area late Saturday or early Sunday, bringing high winds and heavy rain.

"The threat of this is increasing," the service said in its latest weather advisory. "Since tides are astronomically high, the presence of Irene may cause moderate coastal flooding during high tide, especially Sunday."

The following are suggested actions to be taken prior to arrival of a storm:

• Check battery-powered equipment such as radios and flashlights. Buy extra batteries.
• Secure outdoor objects that might become caught in the wind.
• Keep your car fueled should evacuation be necessary. 
• Be aware of where evacuation routes are located.
• Stock up on non-perishable food items and water.
• Stay tuned to a local radio or television station for the latest National Weather Service advisories as well as instructions from local officials.
• Be familiar with the telephone number of your local Office of Emergency Management. The number for the Scotch Plains OEM is 908-322-8504; the number for the Union County OEM is 908-654-9881.

Residents are urged not to enter flooded roadways.

Local emergency management officials have also provided a number of recommendations for emergency supply kits. The list of items to include is as follows:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers

Additional items to consider adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children,

Stay tuned as Patch brings you regular updates as well as important emergency information.