UPDATE: Bernards Twp. on High Ground As Irene Arrives

With the hurricane's effects being felt at midnight Sunday, but weather conditions were expected to only worsen into Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Still, the good news for Bernards Township residents is that most of the town generally manages to do okay during flooding conditions because of some elevation, said Police Sgt. Mike Shimsky, head of the Bernards Township Office of Emergency Management.

Nevertheless, there are a few areas susceptible to flooding, particularly the Harrison Brook Drive and Newell Drive area, Shimsky said.

For specific instructions from the Bernards Township Office of Emergency Management on how to handle the pending inclement weather, click here.  

The Bernards Township Office of Emergency Management, police department, and department of public works geared up for the storm by readying equipment and manpower, Shimsky said late on Wednesday.

Liberty Corner Fire Chief Peter Aprahamian said the fire company also prepares for such events as storms by ensuring that all the department's apparatus and tools are in good working
order. 

The Basking Ridge Fire Company and First Aid Squad also is available for backup and assistance to other emergency responders, said John Sabel, spokesman for that department.

"We respond to all calls within the township as dispatched," Aprahamian said in an email. He said the fire company coordinates planning and response with the township and county OEM departments and provides resources to the Bernards police department and Liberty Corner First Aid Squad, as well as surrounding communities, as needed.

However, both the Liberty Corner and Basking Ridge fire companies said they do not pump residential basements. Aprahamian said the Liberty Corner fire company does not have the equipment.

Pumping out basements creates a risk of collapsing the basement walls inward, Sabel noted.

Shimsky noted late on Wednesday, "We continue to monitor and track the storm and receive updates from the county periodically." He said the township relies on mutual aid assistance in times of critical incidents, although the inherent problem with an incident that affects the whole area is that those neighboring responders likely would also be handling issues in their own municipalities. For example, Long Hill Township is prone to flooding, particularly along the Passaic River.

"Bernards Township remains well prepared to handle this event and puts life safety and property protection as our priorities," Shimsky said.

Shelters in town — including all six township schools and two churches — have been certified by the Red Cross. he said. Those shelters could potentially be opened as part of the shelter aspect of the township's Emergency Operations Plan if residents are displaced, Shimsky said. Residents should not contact those shelters, and all communications and coordination would be handled through the OEM, Shimsky said.

Stay at home, police advise

Shimsky said police and the EOM ask that if residents do not need to be out during the storm that they “shelter in place” in their homes where it is safer.

"It also allows police and other response units to deal with the event more effectively. Residents should also refrain from calling 9-1-1 unless there is an emergency. In the event of a power failure, residents should also be aware that the police department does not have any knowledge of when power will be restored and individuals should not call police to inquire as it overloads our system," he said.

Here is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) online link to hurricane preparedness.

Following  take a comprehensive look at preparing for disasters, rather than looking at completely separate plans for incidents such as hurricanes or earthquakes.

As part of that preparation, Shimske said any residents with special needs may provide information to emergency response agencies, so emergency responders can better plan to serve them in a disaster or other emergency by contacting this local office of emergency management or registering on NJ Register Ready: https://www13.state.nj.us/SpecialNeeds/

Allstate New Jersey offers other tips:

Things You Can Do Well in Advance of a Storm 

• Conduct a home inventory of your possessions. It is helpful to keep track of model numbers and stores where items were purchased. Store your inventory, including photos and videos, in a safe place away from your home.

• Prepare an emergency supply kit that includes things such as a 3-day supply of water and ready-to-eat, non-perishable food for every family member and pet; a battery-powered flashlight and radio with extra batteries; a first-aid kit and manual. (This is a partial list)
• Assess your property to ensure landscaping and trees do not become wind hazards and remove any diseased or damaged limbs from trees. This will help keep them from blowing around during a storm
• Pre-select a garage or carport to park your car in or an area of higher ground to move your car to in case of flooding
• Ensure you have hurricane shutters or 3/4 inch outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home
• Install anchors and pre-drill holes for the plywood so you can put it up quickly in the event of a storm
• Install head and foot bolts on doors for extra protection

Things You Can Do Right Before a Storm

• Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas
• Bring all lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that could be picked up by the wind inside. Anchor objects that cannot be brought inside
• Move your car to a garage, a carport or an area of higher ground in the case of flooding
• If you must leave your car outdoors, park as close to a building as possible.  Move your car away from trees or poles that may topple onto it
• Make sure you fill your car's gas tank
• Get emergency cash
• Turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting