Heavy, blowing snow and wind are forecast to begin tonight with accumulations tomorrow. While forecasts vary, up to 10 inches of snow, beginning tomorrow morning, are predicted for our area. Power outages may again occur under such conditions.
Montgomery Township plowing crews, emergency responders and local utilities are ready, but your household's preparation is also essential to your safety. With heavy snow and wind, slippery or impassable road conditions and downed trees, power lines/poles may occur in your vicinity. Please prepare to stay inside and off the roads if at all possible during the storm.
We again remind our citizens of advised actions in light of this and future storms:
ESSENTIAL DURING THE STORM:
- There is no parking allowed on snow covered streets during and after storms until plowing is completed. Always stay clear of plows. (
More on snow plowing
.)
- Stay off the roads during snowfall whenever not essential. Take care of errands in advance and leave ahead of the snow.
- Respect all Police Road Barricades - they are there for a reason until removed. It's the law.
- Do not approach a downed wire. Assume it is live with electricity and report immediately.
- Report all power outages or downed wires at 1-800-436-7734
PREPARE NOW:
- To receive emergency info including road closures, subscribe to Montgomery's Nixle Police Notices - text your zip code to 888777. Or from a computer, see messages at
https://local.nixle.com/montgomery-police/
and customize your subscription selections.
- Remove or otherwise secure all outside materials which may become airborne projectiles during high wind gusts.
- Fill up gas tanks and keep a blanket, flashlight & emergency kit in your vehicle.
-If you own a generator, check that it is in working order now. Make sure it is properly ventilated when in use. Carbon monoxide deaths from generator use are preventable tragedies.
-Keep cell phones charged and flashlights handy in the event of a power outage. Consider
a crank or battery-powered radio, and an extra battery pack or cranking charger for mobile devices.
Be cautious with use of open flame candles.
- Power outage prep may include storing potable and flushing water, and keeping batteries, food, medications & other needed supplies on hand. (More on building an emergency kit below.)
EMERGENCY PLANNING IS KEY ...
STAY INFORMED, MAKE A PLAN, BUILD A KIT, CONNECT
*Stay informed
- Sign up for Police Nixle Alerts and other local emergency alert systems now, listed at our
Emergency Info Channels
webpage under Public Safety.
*Make a plan
- Develop contingencies for the "what ifs." How will you care for those with special needs? What will you do with your pets?
Think about where you would go if you must evacuate - for example if power was out for an extended period. Take note of announcements of the opening of local warming/charging stations.
*Build an emergency kit
- Stock a supply of items such as needed medicines and non-perishable foods (rotate out periodically to keep fresh), bottled water, important papers, and repair/clean-up supplies. More info at
http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
.
*Stay Connected
- You are needed! We are a community - check in with neighbors, friends, and relatives, especially seniors, during severe weather and other emergency events.
There are volunteer opportunities with the
Montgomery Emergency Medical Squad
,
Fire Co. 1
,
Fire Co. 2
, as well as
CERT
s (Community Emergency Response Teams).
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Citizen preparedness and cooperation are essential to maintaining the health, safety and comfort of each member of our community when severe weather or other emergencies happen.
I invite you to contact me at (908) 874-3333 ext. 122 or by e-mail at
twain@police.montgomery.nj.us
with any questions regarding Montgomery Township Emergency Management. In an emergency, always dial 9-1-1.
Thank you,
Captain Thomas Wain, Director
Montgomery Township Police Dept.
P.S.
To assist you in your household preparation, a summary of this bulletin will remain available from our
Public Safety page
