Update: Lacey Schools Closed Monday, Tuesday, Cops Encourage Evacuation Preparation

Lacey continues to prepare for the potential impact of Hurricane Sandy, as schools have been closed Monday and Tuesday and police encourage residents to prepare for the possibility of evacuation.

Superintendent Dr. Sandra Brower said Saturday evening that all schools are closed Monday and activities cancelled. Brower's statement is as follows:

To ensure the safety of our Lacey Township school community and to support the efforts of the emergency management personnel, Lacey Township Schools are closed on Monday, October 29. This includes all student programs and facility usage. We are hopeful that this early notification will give our parents and our staff the time they will need to prepare for this massive storm.

Brower said Sunday that "additional school closings are very likely. You will be notified of any school closings throughout the week as soon as possible so that you can make plans for your family."

Meanwhile, Lacey police continue to prepare for landfall and strongly encourage residents to "plan for a potential evacuation which includes ensuring an appropriate means of transportation and housing out of the area if needed."

Regional shelters have been designated at Toms River North High School, Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin and Pinelands Regional High School in Little Egg Harbor. Emergency management officials also are working to designate additional shelters.

Police ask residents not to call the department for basic power outages but to alert JCP&L at 888-544-4877. 

Check back with Patch and follow the Lacey Office of Emergency Management on Facebook for continued updates.