Somerset County is preparing for a winter storm that is forecasted to bring significant snow totals and high winds late Friday into the weekend.
“We are on top of the situation,” said Freeholder Director Patricia L. Walsh. “Our public works department is making ready snow plows and salt spreaders and is surveying county-maintained roads looking for anything that might interfere with snow removal. Also, our emergency management division is monitoring weather reports and sharing information with municipal emergency management offices and county support functions.”
Residents are encouraged to put together a “disaster kit” containing necessities in case of a long-term loss of electricity and other utilities, or if they have to leave their homes for a few days.
Kits should include a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food, a manual can opener, a fire extinguisher, a change of warm clothes, first-aid kit, bedding, prescription medication, sanitary needs, a standard AM/FM radio, flashlights and extra batteries, and any items required for infants, people with disabilities and pets.
Residents also should get cash and gasoline for their vehicles before the storm, since power outages may disrupt ATMs and gas pumps. Visit www.co.somerset.nj.us/_ongoing/emergency_preparedness.html for emergency preparedness resources before and after a storm.
For information about the proper use of generators, preventing carbon monoxide poisoning and more go to http://bit.ly/Safetips or http://www.state.nj.us/health/
Remember to remove any loose items from your home that could be blown around and cause damage to people and property.
For information about preparing pets and livestock for an emergency, visit the County Animal Response Team’s webpage at www.co.somerset.nj.us/cart/index.html
You can sign up for free e-mail bulletins and text alerts on county Emergency, Weather and Road Alerts by visiting the county website at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe.html
