Community Corner

Lacey Township Prepares For Hurricane Irene

The township's emergency management team meets to develop plans while residents fill local stores

Lacey’s emergency management team will be meeting this afternoon to discuss the township’s plan for when Hurricane Irene hits this weekend, Chief William Nally of the Lacey Township Police Department said.

“Obviously it’s a little early. We have to monitor the situation,” he said. “We’re taking some cues from the state’s Office of Emergency Management. I wouldn’t expect us to be ordered to evacuate.”

The emergency management team, which consists of all emergency services, the township administrator, and Committeeman Dave Most, will be meeting at 4 p.m. to discuss plans.

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“We’re going to go over some plans and discuss potential issues to be as prepared as we can,” he said.

Nally has also been in contact with Superintendent Richard Starodub to discuss the possibility of using the as a shelter if necessary. None of the schools have alternate power but could be utilized in an emergency, he said.

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“That would be determined as the situation unfolds,” Nally said.

The and are also options. Whichever school is used, would be staffed with a member of the Red Cross, he said.

Nally advices residents to be prepared by getting together a small emergency kit that would enable them to be self-sufficient for a few days. Families should have plans for the emergency and where they would go to evacuate and where they would meet if they got separated, he said.

“Shelter in place. Just stay in your homes. Just stay informed. Keep your eyes on the news and radio,” Nally said.

The police department will be utilizing the reverse 911 system this weekend to keep residents informed, Nally said.

Several areas in Lacey Township are prone to flooding, he said. Most of the areas that will be affected are the lagoons and waterfront.

For those living near the water, Nally advised them to stay with friends that live more inland.

“With the high winds we’re expecting be mindful of falling trees and power lines. Start taking basic precautions as soon as possible,” Nally said.

He recommended taking in lawn chairs and anything loose in the yard.

“Umbrellas by pools can become missiles if they’re unsecured,” he said.

Stay off the roads, Nally said. “People need to stay home. Unless you really have to get out.”

As far as handling the storm when it comes, action will have to wait until after the storm.

“If we do get hit where we have high stake winds, there’s not much we can do during the fact. We won’t be cutting tree limbs out of the way right away,” Nally said.

Public Works Director Casey Parker agreed. “Being out in 80 mph winds, there is nothing we can do. It’s after the fact. Under the direction of emergency management, we’ll be out when the storm passes and it’s safe.”

Public Works role will be similar to when the area is hit by snow, except during the winter, they’re able to be out during storm.

“You can't put yourself in harms way in this weather with flying debris. Safety is paramount,” Parker said.

Debris, falling trees and power failures will create a real problem for residents, Parker said.

The areas in town most prone to flooding include the Lake Barnegat and Easy Street area, Bayberry Village towards the end of Laurel Wood and the second lake beach area where the catch basins will most likely get backed up, Parker said.

“Any storm system can’t handle that kind of swell. When that much water is delivered at that rapid time, the system is going to backup,” Parker said.

Waterfront areas such as the Forked River Beach are also a concern, Parker said.

“With this storm coming, tidal surge is a big concern. When you have that much rain with [bodies of water], it’s a recipe for a big problem,” he said.

Once the storm calms, Public Works will be out setting up barricades in flooded areas, redirecting traffic, and keeping basin tops clear, he said.

Committeeman Dave Most advises residents to follow the Red Cross’ preparedness tips. The checklist explains what do do before, during and after a hurricane. Also, see the attached PDF.

“If we say evacuate, evacuate,” Most said.

The evacuation route will depend on the scenario but the township does have plans in place, Most said.

“We’ll play it by ear and follow the experts,” he said.

In the meantime, parking lots were full and lines were building at , , and in Lacey Township.

“It’s been crazy,” Manager of Home Depot Joe Miserendino said.

The store is handing out informational packets to customers to prepare them for the hurricane.

“They don’t necessarily have to get everything here. I rather see them safe,” he said. “We want to do whatever we can for the community.”

Residents are primarily shopping for batteries, generators, flashlights, and plywood. Over 150 generators were sold by approximately 2 p.m. and although the store is starting to run low on supplies, they will be getting more shipments in, Miserendino said.

Unless the state requires otherwise, the store will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Miserendino said.

Edna Rosado was walking around with a large cart with over 12 pieces of plywood on top.

“I don’t know if it’s going to happen or not,” she said.

Rosado has been an area resident for seven years and lives just off the bay. She plans to cover her back windows that are facing the bay with plywood.

“You never know what could happen. Nothings happened yet but I bought a lot of plywood in case,” she said.

Tracy and Joyce Lloyd went to Home Depot to stock up on flashlights and batteries.

“We’re last minute shoppers,” Tracy said. “We haven’t even been food shopping yet.”

Tracy’s mother Joyce uses an oxygen machine so the batteries are essential.

“I think it’s a great possibility that it’s going to hit us,” Joyce said.

Ken Horner is planning for a “hurricane party,” he said as he walked out of ShopRite with a cart primarily full of cereal, bread, water, and orange juice.

Lee Reitmeyer went to ShopRite to purchase the essentials- water, milk, bread and juice.

“We don’t know what to do or where to go,” she said. “But water is the most important.”

Debie Burt was at ShopRite for the same reason. With a shopping full shopping cart, Burt maintained her composure.

“We’re just trying to stay calm and get through it. I’m came here for just the essentials,” she said. “Everyone’s comparing it to Hurricane Gloria. That’s what I’m worried about.”

Continue to follow Lacey Patch for storm updates as more information becomes available.


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