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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: 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
5
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.


ready.nj.gov
7
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.
!
!


ready.nj.gov
9
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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11
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.


ready.nj.gov
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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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.
Eﬀ ective 2020