"Irene" ~ Hurricane warning - New jersey

Dear All,

As you know, a very severe hurricane, Irene, is heading into New Jersey and we should begin feeling the effects of the hurricane TOMORROW, Saturday. There are areas of Hoboken that are flood prone, but it is anticipated that a substantial number of other areas of Hoboken which usually do not flood, will in fact suffer from flooding, which can cause safety issues and property damage. Even if you live in an apartment building, there is a strong possibility of periodic outages in power and electricity and damage to your windows.

Please review the Shelter Information and Hurricane Update information that was released by Mayor Dawn Zimmer. Please try to leave Hoboken as soon as possible, but if you cannot leave, a shelter will be available at the Wallace School located at 1100 Willow Avenue. Please also review the American Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness Checklist.

For the safety and well being of you and your family, please take this hurricane very seriously and take all necessary safety measures. In addition to the links above, I would strongly suggest the following:

• Leave Hoboken this weekend: If possible, try to leave Hoboken and travel inland. Do not go down the Jersey Shore. Please stay away from coastal and low-lying areas;
• If you stay in Hoboken, purchase batteries and candles because power outages are highly likely;
• Make sure your cell phone is fully charged;
• Take any belongings on balconies or decks inside your home;
• Make sure your car is not parked on the street in Hoboken;
• Make sure you have enough water, food and baby supplies (if necessary) to last you at least three days
• Volunteers: if you are available to hand out flyers to get out the word at the PATH and Ferry Terminals this evening please contact me immediately. We need the public to be prepared for this storm!

If you need any assistance or have any further questions, feel free to reach me on my cell phone, 201-647-6090. I am here to serve your needs as we weather this storm.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Ravi Bhalla
Ravi Bhalla for Hoboken City Council
Hoboken City Council President