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Executive Summary
The "Hurricane Survival Guide for New Jersey" is a resource designed to help residents prepare for and respond to hurricanes and other natural disasters. It provides information on staying informed through various media channels, creating family communication plans, building a hurricane kit with essential supplies, and understanding hurricane hazards like high winds, storm surge, flooding, tornadoes, and rip currents. The guide also offers advice on protecting pets and taking appropriate actions during and after a storm, including evacuation procedures and safety precautions.
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Document Text
--- Document: NJ Hurricane Survival Guide Document ---
Hurricane Survival Guide
for New Jersey
ready.nj.gov
facebook.com/READYNEWJERSEY • twitter.com/@READYNJ • instagram.com/ReadyNJ
NJ Hurricane Survival Guide
Time to Get Ready...
Hazardous weather impacts New Jersey residents on a regular basis. Many
of us have experienced the long-term power outages, fl ooding, evacuations,
property destruction, debris and other impacts to our daily lives that can
result from the onset of nature’s fury. We can’t stop the onset of a natural
hazard; but there are steps you can take to increase your safety and comfort when ad-
verse conditions occur.
We encourage you to read through this “Hurricane Survival Guide for New Jersey,” and
take the actions necessary to secure your family and home. The preparations you make
for hurricanes will also help you survive all types of natural disasters.
The fi rst step is to stay informed, via traditional or social media. The second step is to
discuss hurricanes and other natural hazards with family members and determine ways
to stay close and connected regarding your evacuation plans and locations. Consider
those in your family or community who might need extra assistance, due to age or dis-
ability, regarding emergency plans. Don’t forget your pets! The third step involves gath-
ering emergency supplies; many of these items can be found around your home.
Get ready now, be an example for others, share this information with those who need it.
And thank you for being part of a more prepared New Jersey.
THE NEW JERSEY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Tropical Storm Watch
A tropical storm watch is issued
when tropical storm conditions,
including winds from 39 to 73
mph, pose a possible threat to a
specifi ed area within 48 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning
A tropical storm warning is issued
when tropical storm conditions are
expected to aff ect a specifi ed area
within 36 hours.
Hurricane Watch
A hurricane watch is issued for
a specifi ed area when hurricane
conditions, including sustained winds
of 74 mph or greater, are possible
within 48 hours.
Hurricane Warning
A hurricane warning is issued for
a specifi ed area when hurricane
conditions are expected within 36
hours. In coastal or near-coastal
areas, a hurricane warning can remain
in eff ect when dangerously high water
and exceptionally high waves continue
even though the winds may have
subsided below hurricane intensity.
The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to
November 30. New Jersey’s tropical storm activity is
typically between August and late October.
ready.nj.gov
1
Nat. Weather Service Philadelphia/Mt. Holly - www.weather.gov/phi
Nat. Weather Service NYC (NE NJ Counties) - www.weather.gov/nyc
National Hurricane Center - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
N.J. Offi ce of Emergency Management - ready.nj.gov
NJ 2-1-1 - NJ Residents can dial 2-1-1, toll-free, for preparedness and
disaster-related info 24/7 or www.nj211.org.
Federal Emergency Management Agency – www.ready.gov
Social Media:
Social media and other advanced communications technologies are used
by the EMS and by emergency managers statewide. Find out if your
community has a “reverse 9-1-1” system or if you can opt-in for email
updates from municipal offi cials.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/READYNEWJERSEY
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/READYNJ
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/READYNJ
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NewJerseyStatePolice
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/NJSP
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/NewJerseyStatePolice
Nextdoor
Nextdoor is the world’s largest social
network for the neighborhood. As a member
of Nextdoor that lives in New Jersey, you will
automatically receive our safety notifi cations
and updates during times of emergency.
Go to: www.nextdoor.com
On The Web:
Use credible websites to get information about natural hazards and emergency
preparedness. The NJOEM works closely with the National Weather Service and the
National Hurricane Center regarding storm predictions and forecasts.
STEP 1:
Scan for
NJOEM on
Facebook
Scan for
NJOEM on
Twitter
Stay Informed
Scan for
NJOEM on
Instagram
NJOEM
on: {
NJ State
Police
on: {
Scan for
NJOEM on
Nextdoor
NJ Hurricane Survival Guide
2
Alerts - Mobile/Text (SMS) & Email:
Nixle: Subscribe to the NJ State Police on Nixle Connect:
http://local.nixle.com/new-jersey-state-police
Nixle is an application that allows verifi ed government agencies to communicate with
the public via text/SMS, email, and internet posts. This service is provided at no cost
to the department, taxpayers, or residents. Unlike other social media applications,
Nixle does not contain any third-party advertisements. New Jersey residents can
register to receive messages by sending a text message with their zip code to
888777 (data rates may apply depending on your plan). Online registration is also
available at: www.nixle.com.
CMAS (Community Mobile Alert System) is a nationwide system now being
employed by the National Weather Service to transmit weather Warnings (but not
Watches) to your cell phone. A warning means the hazard is imminent; a watch
means conditions are favorable for the hazard to occur. Your cell phone must be WEA
(Wireless Emergency Alert) enabled to receive these messages, so it depends on the
make/model of the phone. There is an opt-out option, but we recommend that
you do not opt-out of receiving these NWS messages. Read about WEA alerts
here: https://www.weather.gov/wrn/wea
NOAA Weather Radio:
NOAA Weather Radio is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting
continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service
Offi ce. NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts offi cial Weather Service warnings, watches,
forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. NOAA
Weather Radios are typically inexpensive, easily available in stores and can
often be programmed for your specifi c area.
National Weather Service Phila./Mt. Holly
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/Maps/PHP/NJ.php
National Weather Service NYC (for NE NJ Counties)
https://www.weather.gov/okx/wxradio
Traditional Media:
Continue to monitor traditional media sources — TV, newspapers and radio — to
stay informed of breaking news and continued coverage of emergency events.
Find out if your community has a “reverse 9-1-1” system or if you can opt-in for
email updates from municipal offi cials.
This NJOEM website contains a link to New Jersey’s 21 County Offi ces of
Emergency Management with county websites, social media tools and county
alert and warning systems listed as well. Sign up, opt-in or connect to receive
important local alerts. http://ready.nj.gov/about-us/county-coordinators.shtml
ready.nj.gov
3
STEP 2:
Make a Plan
Get together with your family and create a communications plan ahead of time.
This will help you and your family to connect as quickly and easily as possible
after the storm.
Keep a written record of all important phone numbers.
Designate an individual outside of the state to serve as a family point of contact.
(After a disaster it is often easier to call out-of-state than within the aff ected
area.)
Make sure that all family members know who this person is and how to contact
them.
After a disaster or evacuation, all family members should make contact with the
designated individual. Try choosing a certain time for everyone to check in.
Our Family Communications Plan
Setting up a Family Communications Plan ahead of time will make sure you and
your family can connect as easily and quickly as possible.
NJ Hurricane Survival Guide
4
STEP 3:
Build a Hurricane Kit
Use these suggestions as a guide for gathering your hurricane
supplies. Remember these critical points:
• Stock a 2 week supply of these emergency necessities.
• Store clean-up and repair supplies in a safe place.
• Make your hurricane kit portable in case you need to evacuate.
• Don’t forget special supplies for babies, the elderly, and those with access or
functional needs.
• Review homeowner’s or renter’s insurance plan as it relates to natural disasters.
the basics.
Alarm clock (battery operated)
Battery or crank-operated radio/TV
NOAA All-Hazards radio
Flashlights (one per person)
Batteries for radio/fl ashlights to
last several days
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit & manual
Cash, credit cards
Driver’s license
Cellular phones & chargers
Important phone numbers
Prescriptions, including eyeglasses
Water, 1 gallon per person per day
Water purifi cation tablets
Coolers for food & water
Canned & dried food
Non-electric can opener
Pots & pans
Eating & cooking utensils
Emergency cooking facilities (grill/
camp stove)
Gas for the grill
Cans, gas & oil
Butane lighter
Work boots/shoes
Change of clothes
Sleeping bags, sheets & towels
Blankets & pillows
Bleach without scents/additives (in
a secure, well-marked container)
Soap, shampoo & toiletries
Sponges/paper towels
Toilet paper & towelettes
Feminine hygiene products
Baby food, diapers & formula
Toys (to occupy children)
Pet food
CAUTION: Store
properly in approved
containers.
}
ready.nj.gov
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important papers.
Social security cards
Birth certifi cates
Marriage & death records
Wills
Insurance policies
Deeds & mortgages
Stocks & bonds
Inventory of household goods
Computer fi le backups
Pictures (both personal & of
belongings)
Savings & checking books
cleanup & repair supplies.
Axes, hammers & hatchets
Bars, wrecking & crow
Brooms
Camera to record damage
Chain, steel
Chain saw & fuels
Caulk & caulking gun
Cleaning supplies
Duct & masking tape
Drills & bits
Extension cords
Generators
Heavy plastic tarps
Infl atable raft
Ladders
Lanterns & fuel
Lumber
Mosquito repellent
Plastic trash bags
Nails, screw, bolts
Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members.
Keep a smaller version of the supply kit in the trunk of your car.
Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays
fresh. Replace batteries, update clothes.
*
NJ Hurricane Survival Guide
6
Important Tips To Remember
• If you are told to evacuate, GO!
• Make sure you have your shoes on or with you at ALL times. You
may need to evacuate quickly.
• Have cash on hand. If the power is out, so are the ATMs and
credit card machines.
• Gas up your cars ahead of the storm. The gas pumps will not
work without power or may be too damaged to open afterwards.
• Be sure to check on friends and neighbors who have access or
functional needs.
• Be sure to have extra medications on hand and keep them in a
water resistant container.
• Get all of your vital records and insurance papers together NOW.
Keep them in a water resistant container. If you can, scan and
email them to yourself so you have a copy of important numbers
and policies, etc.
• Charge up your cell phones and try not to use them if the power
goes out. Texting uses less power than a cell call, so use text
messaging when possible to save power.
• Discuss business continuity plans now. Whether you are the
boss or report to a boss, discuss your game plan for continued
business operations.
• NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces,
sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors
and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide
can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even
after the generator has shut off .
• Know where your utility shut off valves (gas, electric, water)
are and how to use them.
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People with Access &
Functional Needs
Each person’s needs and abilities are
unique, but every individual can take
important steps to prepare for all kinds of
emergencies and put plans in place. By
evaluating your own personal needs and
making an emergency plan, you can be
better prepared for any situation.
• Consider how a disaster might aff ect
your individual needs.
• Plan to make it on your own, at least
for a period of time. It’s possible that
you will not have access to caregivers,
medication or electricity.
• Identify what kind of resources you use
on a daily basis, like medications or
durable medical equipment, and what
you might do if they are limited or not
available.
• Build a kit with your unique consideration
in mind. What do you need to maintain
your health, safety, and independence?
If you or someone close to you has a
disability or other access or functional
need, you may have to take additional
steps to protect yourself and your family.
Find out about individual assistance that
may be available in your community.
Register in advance with the offi ce
of emergency services, the local fi re
department, and other government
agencies or non-profi t groups. Tell them of
your individual needs or those of a family
member and fi nd out what assistance or
services can be provided.
Who are Individuals with Access &
Functional Needs?
People with access and functional needs
may have disaster-related
needs before, during,
and after an incident in
functional areas, including
but not limited to:
maintaining independence,
communication,
transportation, supervision,
and medical care. Some examples of these
needs might be:
• People who are deaf or hard of hearing
may need to make special arrangements
to receive emergency warnings.
• Single working parents and people with
limited English profi ciency may need help
planning for disasters and emergencies.
Community, faith-based, and cultural
groups may be able to help keep people
informed.
• People without vehicles may need to
arrange for transportation.
People with special dietary needs should
take precautions to have an adequate
emergency food supply. For comprehensive
information regarding AFN planning visit
ready.nj.gov. Information is available for
consumers, service-providing agencies,
and government offi cials.
Additional Support
The Dept. of Human Services Division of
Mental Health and Addictions Services
Offi ce of Disaster and Terrorism:
http://nj.gov/health/integratedhealth/
Offi ce: 609-438-HEAL (609-438-4325)
Helpline:
1-877-294-HELP (1-877-294-4357)
1-877-294-4356 TTY (voice callers use
7-1-1 NJ Relay)
Addictions Hotline of NJ:1-844-276-2777
NJ SNAP/Food Stamps: 1-800-687-9512
or visit http://www.nj.gov/humanservices/
dfd/programs/njsnap/
Medicaid Call Center: 1-800-356-1561
Work First NJ/General Assistance: 1-800-
792-9773 or visit http://www.state.nj.us/
humanservices/dfd/programs/workfi rstnj/
NJ Hurricane Survival Guide
8
IF COUNTY OR STATE OFFICIALS TELL YOU TO EVACUATE:
• LEAVE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
• Make a Family Communication Plan. Tell someone outside of the storm area
where you are going.
• Take emergency supplies, warm protective clothing, and blankets/sleeping
bags to shelter.
• Protect your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and wa-
ter.
• Turn off the main electrical power switch.
• Turn off the main water valve and disconnect the hose.
• Turn propane tanks off .
• Lock up your travel or mobile home and leave.
DURING A HURRICANE OR TROPICAL STORM WATCH OR WARNING:
• Listen to radio/television for storm progress reports.
• Check emergency supplies.
• Fuel your car.
• Board up windows and check tie-downs on your travel trailer or mobile home.
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings.
• Store drinking water.
• Review evacuation plan.
AFTER THE STORM
• Stay tuned to local radio or television for information from your local or state
offi cials.
• Return home only after state or local offi cials advise that it is safe to do so.
Any individual who lives in a travel trailer should pay close attention
to radio and television reports to receive important information from
local and state offi cials concerning hurricane precautions.
Travel Trailer/Mobile Home Safety
NO TRAVEL TRAILER OR MOBILE HOME – NO MATTER
HOW NEW IT IS – CAN BE A SAFE SHELTER FROM
STORM FORCE WINDS.
!
!
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Plain Talk On Protecting Pets
Natural disasters, such as fl ash fl oods, hurricanes, or forest fi res, and man-
made problems such as gas explosions, leaking tank cars, and terrorist
incidents, can arrive with little, if any, warning. The type of disaster will determine
whether to shelter in place or evacuate the area. Your county/local emergency
management coordinator will have the most current updates and recommendations
at the time of the disaster. This number can be found in the blue pages of your
telephone book. By developing a disaster action plan for yourselves and your pets,
you can improve the chances that all of you can make it through a disaster safely.
If you are ever instructed to evacuate, please remember your pets!
Listen for public service
announcements during a disaster that
may instruct you to take your pets to a
temporary emergency animal shelter.
For these places, you must do the
following:
Get a portable pet carrier for each
pet. These carriers should be large
enough for the pet to stand up and
turn around in. Get your pet used to
the carrier ahead of time. Snakes may
be kept in plastic containers, and birds
need their cages.
Have identifi cation for each pet. Be
sure your pet ALWAYS wears a well-
fi tted collar with proper identifi cation,
and has been micro-chipped or tattooed.
ID tags and pet carriers should include
your phone number(s) as well as the
number of a contact outside the aff ected
region.
Take Steps to Protect Your Pets
Have a safe place to take your pets.
Do this research ahead of time, before
a disaster strikes. Prepare a list of
emergency phone numbers, and keep it
handy. If your pet has any special needs,
such as a special diet or medication, or
is an exotic pet (including reptiles, birds,
and fi sh), consider their requirements in
your disaster planning before you need
to evacuate these animals.
Ask a dependable friend or relative
who lives some distance away if you
and/or your pets can stay with them
during an emergency.
Contact hotels and motels outside
your immediate area to check policies
on accepting pets during times of
emergencies and any restrictions they
may have.
Make arrangements with
trustworthy neighbors for pet care
if a disaster strikes and you cannot get
home in time to evacuate.
Find boarding kennels within and
outside your area. Know where they
are, who stays on the premises with the
animals in the event of a disaster, and
what provisions would be made if the
kennel should have to evacuate during a
disaster.
NJ Hurricane Survival Guide
10
In case you must leave the area with
your pet, this kit should include:
Copies of pet license, microchip,
tattoo and/or ID, photos of pet
(from all angles and with owner(s)),
and plastic bag with proof of
vaccination.
Proper size metal or plastic pet
carrier
Leashes and obedience aids
Non-spill water and food bowls
Pet foods, including special diets
Water in sanitized non-breakable
containers
Motion sickness pills prescribed by
your veterinarian, if needed
Special medications, with
instructions
Special needs items for exotic pets,
such as a heat source
Newspapers, paper towels, handy-
wipes, can openers, a fl ashlight,
and blankets
What to do when the “All Clear”
Sounds:
Once the all clear has sounded and you
and your pets return to your home,
be careful about allowing your pets
outdoors unattended and off leash. The
disaster may have altered familiar scents
and landmarks and your pet could easily
get confused and become lost.
Prepare a Disaster Travel Kit For Your Pet
In addition, sharp objects, downed
electric lines, fallen trees and other
debris, or contaminated water could
present real danger to your pet.
Raccoons, skunks or other wild animals
may have entered the area and could
potentially be a danger to your pets.
If any animals are lost during the
disaster, contact veterinarians, humane
societies, pet shelters, and other
facilities that might house animals.
Be prepared to identify and document
ownership when claiming lost livestock.
The United States Department of
Agriculture Missing Pet Network at www.
missingpet.net may be of assistance.
If you own horses, livestock,
or poultry, you need to develop
emergency evacuation plans for them
also. http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/
animalemergency/prepare/livestock_
resources_preparing.shtml for livestock
resources, your county emergency
management coordinator’s offi ce, or
from the New Jersey Department of
Agriculture Division of Animal Health at
609-671-6400.
For More Information
New Jersey Department of Agriculture:
http://www.animalemergency.nj.gov/
Humane Society of the United States:
www.hsus.org/disaster
New Jersey Veterinary Medical
Association: www.njvma.org
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Hurricane Hazards...
High Winds
Hurricane-force winds can easily destroy
poorly constructed buildings and mobile
homes. Debris such as signs, roofi ng
material, and small items left outside
become fl ying missiles in hurricanes.
Extensive damage to trees, towers,
water and underground utility lines
(from uprooted trees), and fallen poles
cause considerable disruption.
The eye wall and innermost rain bands
of hurricanes are extremely dangerous
in that they can produce very localized
devastation. The strongest winds are
typically associated with the eye wall of
a hurricane. When winds of 111 mph
(category three) or more are expected
in an area, an extreme wind warning will
be issued by the National Weather Service.
The strongest winds usually occur on the right side of the eye wall of the hurricane.
This can be seen in the wind analysis above from Hurricane Irene in 2011.
Wind damage increases dramatically as a storm grows stronger. A category four
hurricane with winds 131 to 155 mph, would be expected to cause 100 times the
damage of a category one storm.
Locations well inland
can still experience
destructive wind
damage. Wind
gusts can actually
increase inland due
to turbulence mixing
faster moving air to the
surface.
Graphic courtesy of NOAA
NJ Hurricane Survival Guide
12
Hurricane Hazards...
Storm Surge
Storm surge is a dome of water often 50
to 100 miles wide that sweeps across the
coastline along and to the right of where
the eye makes landfall. In general, the
stronger the winds, the higher the storm
surge. If the hurricane makes landfall
during high tide, the impact is even
greater.
Storm surge does not take into account
wave height, which is added on the top
of the storm surge, to produce even
more destruction. The size, speed, and
strength of a storm and the angle it
approaches the coast contribute to the
damage storm surge can cause.
Starting in 2014, the National Hurricane
Center (NHC) and National Weather
Service (NWS) will be communicating
information regarding the potential
impacts of storm surge. The “Potential
Storm Surge Flooding Map” is an
experimental National Weather Service
(NWS) product. According to the NHC,
“storm surge is often the greatest threat
to life and property from a tropical storm
or hurricane.” The map will contain
information regarding areas that might
be potentially impacted by storm surge,
and how high above ground the water
could reach in those areas.
Keep in the mind the following
information regarding storm surge:
• Storm surge maps may refl ect a
range of possible impacts for regions
of New Jersey. For someone living in
these areas, conditions could become
life-threatening.
• Follow directions of emergency
offi cials. Evacuation zones consider
many critical factors that aff ect public
safety; so evacuation zones can be
diff erent from the areas shown on
the storm surge map. Storm surge
can sometimes cut off evacuation
routes, so do not delay leaving if an
evacuation instruction is given for
your area
• Potential water depths are shown as
above ground, not above mean sea
level or normal tide levels. Local land
elevations are taken into account,
along with tides, when creating the
map. However, the depicted water
levels do not account for rainfall or
waves.
• Storm surge is not just a coastal
threat. Storm surge can cause
dangerous fl ooding well inland from
the coast, and the map will show this
potential fl ooding.
• Storm surge can cause water levels
to rise quickly and fl ood large areas—
sometimes in just minutes. You could
be left with no time to take action
if you haven’t already evacuated
as instructed. During the peak of
a storm surge, it is unlikely that
emergency responders will be able to
reach you if you are in danger.
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13
Hurricane Hazards...
Flooding
A FLASH FLOOD occurs within a few hours (usually
less than 6 hours) of heavy or excessive rainfall, a
dam or levee failure, or the sudden release of water.
A FLOOD develops more slowly, normally taking
more than 6 hours.
Many fl ash fl ood fatalities occur at night.
SIX INCHES of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet.
TWO FEET of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and
pickups.
Floods are long-term events and may last days, weeks, or even longer! The
National Weather issues fl ood watches well ahead of expected arrival. This is the
time to make preparations, including planning an escape route if you live in a fl ood-
prone area.
Flash fl ood warnings and area-based fl ood warnings are issued as tropical systems
make landfall. Area-based fl ood warnings may continue for days or weeks until
fl ood waters have receded.
Most fl ooding deaths occur in automobiles. Always avoid driving
into fl ooded areas! Remember to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
NJ Hurricane Survival Guide
14
Hurricane Hazards...
Tornadoes
Hurricanes can produce tornadoes as they move onto land. These tornadoes add
to a hurricane’s destructive power. The National Weather Service will issue tornado
warnings when they are spotted on Doppler radar or reported.
Most tornadoes associated with hurricanes are less intense than those that occur
in the plains, typically EF0 to EF1 on the new Enhanced Fujita Scale. However, the
eff ects of tornadoes added to the larger area of hurricane-force winds can produce
substantial damage.
ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE: The
National Weather Service (NWS) uses
the EF-Scale to assign a tornado a
rating based on estimated wind speeds
and related damage.
EF Rating
3 Second Wind
Gust (MPH)
0
65 - 85
1
86 - 110
2
111 - 135
3
136 - 165
4
166-200
5
Over 200
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ready nj gov
Hurricane Hazards...
Rip Currents
Unlike most hazards
associated with
hurricanes, rip currents
diff er in that they can be
a threat days in advance
of a hurricane, and
cause deaths even when
there is no threat of a
hurricane strike in our
area.
Rip currents are powerful,
channeled currents of water
fl owing away from the
shore. A Rip current is often
not seen by a swimmer
before being caught in its
grip. They can be present
on what appears to be a
perfect day at the beach
with bright sunny skies and
no hint of danger.
Although a variety of factors
can cause rip currents,
hurricanes produce them
due to a powerful ocean
swell wave that their strong
winds generate. The swell
wave radiates outward from
the center of the storm
and can aff ect beaches
thousands of miles away.
Rip current safety signs are placed along area
beaches. For more information on rip currents, visit
www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov
Rip current safety signs are placed along area
beaches. For more information on rip currents, visit
www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov
Graphic courtesy of NOAA
NJ Hurricane Survival Guide
16
After a Hurricane...
• Continue listening to a NOAA weather
radio or the local news for the latest
updates.
• Stay alert for extended rainfall and
subsequent fl ooding even after the
hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
• If you have become separated
from your family, use your family
communications plan or contact FEMA
or the American Red Cross.
• FEMA has established the National
Emergency Family Registry and Locator
System (NEFRLS) which has been
developed to help reunite families who
are separated during a disaster. The
NEFRLS system will enable displaced
individuals the ability to enter personal
information into a website database
so that they can be located by others
during a disaster.
• The American Red Cross also maintains
a system called “Safe and Well” (www.
redcross.org/safeandwell) which can
help you register yourself safe or fi nd
family members. Go online to inquire,
call 2-1-1 or 800-RED-CROSS for more
information.
• If you evacuated, return home only
when offi cials say it is safe.
• If you cannot return home and have
immediate housing needs, text
SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362
(4FEMA) to fi nd the nearest shelter in
your area (example: shelter 12345).
You can also call 2-1-1 or go online
to www.redcross.org to fi nd shelters.
Smartphone users can fi nd Red Cross
shelters with the Hurricane App.
• For those who have longer-term
housing needs, FEMA off ers several
types of assistance, including services
and grants to help people repair their
homes and fi nd replacement housing.
Apply for assistance or search for
information about housing rental
resources at www.fema.gov.
• Drive only if necessary and avoid
fl ooded roads and washed-out bridges.
Stay off the streets. If you must go
out, watch for fallen objects, downed
electrical wires, and weakened walls,
bridges, roads, and sidewalks.
• Keep away from loose or dangling
power lines and report them
immediately to the power company.
• Walk carefully around the outside of
your home and check for loose power
lines, gas leaks, and structural damage
before entering.
• Stay out of any building if you smell
gas, if fl oodwaters remain around the
building, or if your home was damaged
by fi re and the authorities have not
declared it safe.
• Inspect your home for damage.
Take pictures of damage, both of the
building and its contents for insurance
purposes. If you have any doubts about
safety, have your residence inspected
by a qualifi ed building inspector or
structural engineer before entering.
• Use battery-powered fl ashlights in
the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note:
The fl ashlight should be turned on
outside before entering - the battery
may produce a spark that could ignite
leaking gas, if present.
• Watch your pets closely and keep them
under your direct control. Watch out
for wild animals, especially poisonous
snakes. Use a stick to poke through
debris.
• Avoid drinking or preparing food with
tap water until you are sure it’s not
contaminated.
• Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If
in doubt, throw it out.
• Wear protective clothing and be
cautious when cleaning up to avoid
injury.
Category
Sustained
Winds
Type of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds
Tropical
Storm
39-73 mph
63-117 km/h
Scattered trees down, scattered power outages, some
roads blocked by downed trees and power lines.
Saffi r-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
1
74-95 mph
64-82 kt
119-153
km/h
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-
constructed frame homes could have damage to roof,
shingles, siding, and gutters. Large branches of trees will
snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Exten-
sive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in
power outages that could last a few to several days.
2
96-110 mph
83-95 kt
154-177
km/h
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage:
Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof
and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be
snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-
total power loss is expected with outages that could last
from several days to weeks.
3
111-129 mph
96-112 kt
178-208
km/h
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes
may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and
gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted,
blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be
unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm
passes.
4
130-156 mph
113-136 kt
209-251
km/h
Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes
can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof
structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be
snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen
trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power
outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the
area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
5
157 mph or
higher
137 kt or
higher
252 km/h or
higher
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of
framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure
and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will iso-
late residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks
to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable
for weeks or months.
NOTE: These damage descriptions pertain to the eff ects of wind only.
Heavy rains, which can occur at any level, can cause river fl ooding and/
or fl ash fl ooding anywhere in New Jersey, regardless of storm intensity.
The Saffi r-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s
sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes
reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their
potential for signifi cant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still
dangerous, however, and require preventative measures.
Agency Contact Information
American Red Cross
www.redcross.org
1-800-RED-CROSS
NJ Offi ce of Emergency Management
ready.nj.gov
NJ Offi ce of Homeland Security &
Preparedness
www.njhomelandsecurity.gov
Tips & Leads: 866-4-SAFE-NJ
NJ Offi ce of the Attorney General
http://nj.gov/oag
Consumer Aff airs: 800-242-5846
NJ Dept. of Transportation
www.state.nj.us/transportation
For Motor Vehicle Services, the general
customer service number is 609-292-
6500 or, for the hearing impaired, 609-
292-5120.
For maintenance issues such as
malfunctioning traffi c signals and
potholes, direct calls to 1-800-POTHOLE.
Note: if you have a pothole damage
claim you must call 609-984-7294.
Find all the necessary information
regarding area road conditions by dialing
511 or toll free 1.866.511.NJDT (6538).
The site off ers a map indicating fl ooded
or obstructed roads and detours. You can
also log on to: www.511nj.org.
NJ 2-1-1
Residents can dial 2-1-1, toll-free, for
preparedness & disaster-related info 24/7 or
www.nj211.org
NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection
If residents need to report an
environmental incident impacting the
state, please call the DEP 24-Hour Hotline
at: 1-877-WARN-DEP.
NJ Dept. of Health
http://www.nj.gov/health
Directory of Local Health Departments in
New Jersey:
https://www.nj.gov/health/lh/
documents/LocalHealthDirectory.pdf
NJ Dept. of Human Services -
Division of Aging Services
https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/
doas/home/
Senior Services and Benefi ts – NJ EASE
1-877-222-3737
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention
https://emergency.cdc.gov/
FEMA
www.fema.gov
NJ Poison Control
www.njpies.org
1-800-222-1222
Volunteers and Donations
www.HELPNJNOW.org
Scan this with your smartphone to go
to the ready.nj.gov website.
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Apr 3, 2026
Last Info Update
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