Special Bulletin: Weather Alert 2015-01         
October 1, 2015
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This e-newsletter is brought to you by the Hillsborough Township Committee 
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Mayor 
Doug Tomson
Deputy Mayor
Greg Burchette
Committeeman 
Frank DelCore
Committeewoman 
Gloria McCauley
Committeeman 
Carl Suraci

 
Hillsborough Prepares for Upcoming Storm

The Mayor and Township Committee urge all Hillsborough residents to prepare for the approaching storm.  While the impending storm track remains uncertain, Hillsborough Township is urging all residents to be calm, informed and prepared. The potential exists for heavy rains, flooding, impassable roads, downed trees, high winds and power outages.  

Preparation meetings with Township Officials, Emergency and Essential Personnel were held this afternoon at the Township to ensure all resources are available should they be necessary.

Hillsborough's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will have their command center open in advance of the storm. Coordinated efforts of the Administration, Building, Engineering, Finance, Fire Companies, Health, IT, OEM, Police, Public Works, Rescue Squad, Social Services are in place to assist during and after the storm.

It is recommended that if you live in a flood-prone area, you prepare to evacuate prior to flooding. If power is out, roads are flooded and dangerous conditions ensue, it may not be possible for a rescue operation to reach you.

Please contact the Police Department to report any issues.  Please do not post any emergency issues requiring a response to social media, as emergency personnel will not be monitoring those communication venues.  The Township will be using Honeywell Instant Alert, Nixle, TV29, Twitter and the Hillsborough Township Website to provide information and updates as necessary.
Power Outages
Sudden power outages can be frustrating and troublesome, especially when they last a long time. If a power outage is 2 hours or less, you need not be concerned about losing your perishable foods. For prolonged power outages, there are steps you can take to keep all members of your household as safe and comfortable as possible.


If you experience a power outage, call your utility company.  Do not assume that the outage has already been reported.

To report Power issues:

 

Precautions to take if you should lose power: 
  • Use caution if using candles.  Do not leave unattended!
  • Keep away from downed power lines
  • Leave one light switch on to indicate when power is restored
  • Unplug all motor-driven appliances like refrigerators and freezers and sensitive electronic equipment (like TVs, microwaves and computers) to prevent a possible electrical overload when power is restored.
  • Remember, electric well and sump pumps will not operate.

Some basic things every household should have on hand in case the power goes out include:  
  • Flashlights
  • Extra batteries
  • Battery powered radio or television
  • Hard-wired telephone
  • Charged cell phone
  • Ice chest to store medications
  • If you have a well with an electric pump, you should have enough bottled water to last a couple of days. 
If a portable generator is used to provide power during an outage, use it properly.
  • A generator should only be used outside on stable ground and away from any windows and vents to prevent deadly fumes from entering the home through an opening.
  • Do not use a generator in close proximity to an enclosed area, its placement could allow CO to enter and build up in occupied spaces. 
  • Make sure a generator has 3 to 4 feet of clear space on all sides and above it to ensure adequate ventilation.
  • Do not connect a generator directly to home wiring. Power can flow out of your home into the electric system creating a hazard for utility crews working in the area. Home appliances must be connected to the portable generator via extension cords, unless the home is equipped with an electrician installed transfer switch.
  • Never fill the generator with fuel while it is running or still hot, and don't store gasoline inside of the home or in attached garage.
  • Do not use all appliances at once. It may be necessary to turn off some appliances to avoid overload. And make sure any connected appliances are off before starting the generator.

For the Red Cross PowerOutage Checklist, click here...  
Floods and Flash Floods

On average, more people are killed by flooding than by any other single severe weather hazard, including tornadoes, lightning, and hurricanes. Most of these deaths occur at night, when it is more difficult to recognize flood dangers, and when people are trapped in vehicles. Do you and your family know what to do in case of a flood?

Remember:
  • DO NOT drive onto a flooded roadway
  • DO NOT go around barriers
  • DO NOT drive through flowing water. If you approach a roadway that is flooded, TURN AROUND - DON'T DROWN.  It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.
  • Drive with extreme caution if roads are even just wet or it is raining. You can lose control of your vehicle if hydroplaning occurs, which is when a layer of water builds up between your tires and the road, causing there to be no direct contact between your vehicle and the road. 

Be Cautious of the Following:

  • Broken or leaking gas lines
  • Flooded electrical circuits
  • Submerged furnaces or electrical appliances
  • Flammable or explosive materials coming from upstream.

Additional Precautions:

  • Before floodwaters crest, turn off the main power switch if you think the electrical circuits are going to be underwater. Never Touch The Switch While You Are Wet Or Standing In Water. Do not turn the electrical system back on until it has been inspected by an electrician.
  • Know what a river height forecast means for your property especially how far your property is above or below expected flood levels.
  • Know where to go in case of flooding. Remember that you must seek higher ground as quickly as possible, on foot if necessary.
For a flood safety checklist from the American Red Cross, click here...
Are Your Huricane Ready?

Being prepared is the key to safety in any emergency situation.  Below are some general guidelines and suggested supplies in the event of a weather emergency.

Prepare Your Home
  • Get your yard or property ready for a hurricane by bringing in all outdoor furniture & securing anything else that isn't tied down.
  • Be ready to protect appliances from minor flooding. Put a half-block of cement under each corner of refrigerators, freezers, washing machines and dryers. Use bricks or boards if you don't have cement blocks. 
  • Prepare your family, home, or business before a disaster strikes. Learn how you can get prepared to lessen the impact of severe tropical weather by visiting: www.ready.gov/hurricanes 
  • Visit the National Weather Service's website: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov
Preparing a "Go Kit", should you need to evacuate your home is also recommended.  Suggested items to include in a "Go Kit" are:
  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Cash or traveler's checks and change
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
  • Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
  • 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
To download a Hurricane Safety Checklist from the American Red Cross, click  here...
Stay Informed During The Storm

Please make note of the following ways to stay informed during an emergency in Hillsborough Township and share with your neighbors and friends:

Nixle
Nixle keeps you up-to-date with relevant information from your local public safety departments & schools.  If you have not done so already, sign up for the Nixle alert system:    
  • To Register For Nixle, Go to https://local.nixle.com/register/ 
  • Click "Register Now"
  • Create an account by choosing a UserName and Password
  • Enter an e-mail address and cell phone number where you would like to receive messages
  • Enter your address (or a nearby intersection)
  • Click "Sign Me Up" - and you're done!
Honeywell Instant Alert
Honeywell Instant Alert delivers brief, informational messages to residents via text message, email and phone message. Messages range in from updates on upcoming events to emergency notifications and closures.  To sign up:
  • Go to https://iaplus.honeywell.com/hillsboroughnj/ 
  • Click the "Sign Up" at the top left of the page.
  • Complete all of the required information.
  • Upon completion of the registration, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to create your profile.
  • Clicking the link in the email you receive from Honeywell support and complete your profile your contact information.
  • Under the "My Contact Information" section, select the types of alerts you wish to receive. 
Twitter
Hillsborough Township is on Twitter.  Follow us for important news and updates.
Websites
For the up to date information on conditions and public service announcements please refer to the following websites:
Local Television & Radio Stations
  • AM Radio Station 1610  
  • Comcast Cable TV Channel 29
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