As Hurricane Sandy approaches, your editor will need some help.
Although I spent much time in Lacey during Hurricane Irene, this time around I’ll have to do most reporting from home until it’s safe to go out and I’m permitted on the road.
I’ll try to make it out Monday prior to noon, since the township will only be allowing essential personnel on the roads after that hour.
So I’m asking you for some assistance. Those Lacey residents who remained in town, please comment here or send me an email with photos, videos and descriptions of what you see and what you are experiencing.
You can send your information to elaine.piniat@patch.com or better yet, upload them straight to this story by clicking on "upload photos and videos" below the photos already here. Don't know how to upload photos? It's easy; here's a short how-to video.
A few reminders as we prepare:
- Continue to visit Lacey Patch and like our Facebook page for the latest information and updates.
- Lacey schools are closed on Monday and Tuesday. Because the latest forecasts are predicting a direct hit on Ocean County, additional school closings are likely, the district said. Continue to monitor the district’s emergency notification page as more information becomes available.
- The township declared a State of Emergency as of 4 p.m. Sunday and has issued a proclamation stating that all roads will be restricted to essential personnel only as of noon Monday.
- There is a mandatory evacuation for anyone who lives within 1,000 feet of a lagoon, bay, creek or river. The mandatory evacuation areas are indicated in red on the township’s Office of Emergency Management’s maps. For those who choose to stay, emergency rescues may be curtailed or stopped for the safety of Lacey’s emergency personnel, Municipal Clerk and Business Administrator Veronica Laureigh said.
- Those who live near the lakes are not required to evacuate. Those areas will not be subject to storm surge. According to the Office of Emergency Management, the Department of Public Works is working to reduce those water levels.
- Municipal offices will be closed on Monday. Garbage and recycling has also been canceled for Monday. Pickup will occur on the next regular scheduled day. Secure your garbage receptacles away from curbside.
- The Municipal Court session is canceled for Tuesday. All appearances will be rescheduled and notices will be sent via mail.
- The Lacey Library will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.
- The U.S. Post Office is monitoring the course of Hurricane Sandy. For updates on operations and facilities, click here.
- As of Sunday evening, Lacey Wawa's will remain open although the convenient stores have closed in neighboring towns.
- Those relocating are recommended to move inland with friends or family, Laureigh said, but shelters are at the following locations. Bring identification, medications and other necessities.
- Southern Regional High School, Stafford, open now. NOT pet friendly.
- Toms River North High School, Toms River, open at 4 p.m. Pet friendly.
- Pinelands Middle School, Little Egg Harbor, open at 8 p.m. Pet friendly.
- Residents who need to move cars to higher grounds can utilize the parking lots at Hebrew and Gille Parks. Park in the marked lanes and at your own risk.
- Click here for information on what to do before, during and after a hurricane. As Sandy hits, stay indoors and take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
- Report power outages to JCP&L at 1-888-544-4877.
- The coastal evacuation route can be found here.
- Resources that can help:
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Lacey Office of Emergency Management
- Ocean County Emergency Management
- Lacey Township Info
you will get your card buddy.