By MICHAEL FEELY

Staff Writer

Wednesday morning, the Brigantine Police Department held a staff meeting focused on the possibility of Hurricane Irene striking the island this weekend, with most reports indicating a 2 a.m. Sunday landfall. By Thursday afternoon, the department had a clear message for residents: It’s time to leave.

“If we get a Category 2 within 100 miles of Brigantine, we will be flooded,” said Lt. Jim Bennett, the city’s director of emergency management. “We should have tropical-force winds by Saturday night.”

Latest reports from the National Hurricane Center indicate a high possibility that the island could experience a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 96 to 110 mph.

“Common sense” is the mantra stated by Police Chief John Stone when asked about residents’ preparation. “All lawn furniture, bicycles, lawn equipment should be secured.  Anything that could possibly be a projectile should be taken in or tied down. Check your yard for kids’ toys, barbecues, trash cans, etc.”

The island’s communication network is well prepared to distribute news to residents. Residents can watch local-access TV on Channel 2, check the city’s website at www.brigantinebeachnj.com and the police department’s website www.brigantinepolice.org. There will also be information posted on the police department’s Facebook page.

“The department’s website is ‘one-stop shopping’ for residents who want information,” said Stone.

“We recommend that residents sign up for the reverse 911 notification system,” said Bennett. “Just go to the home page of the city’s website and they can sign up there. It is great for cell phone users or out-of-town owners.”

Residents that use Comcast are cautioned that if their cable goes out, so does their phone, so another communication option is recommended.

“Nixle is a great online tool for resident notification,” said Lt. Tim Reed, who oversees the police department’s website and Facebook page. “It allows us to focus messages to specific areas on the island.”

Residents can go to www.nixle.com to sign up for the service.

Preparation is key to safely surviving a hurricane. The police department’s website has an Emergency Management icon which, when clicked, will show links to FEMA, NOAA (National Hurricane Center, www.nws.noaa.gov), Weather Underground (with three local “weather stations” located in Brigantine (www.wunderground.com) and Ready America, a site with recommendations on how to prepare for a hurricane.

The department also has copies of the “Emergency Preparedness Guide” available at the police department and City Hall.

While Stone has made preparations for additional staffing, both he and Lt. Jim Bennett stress that residents should not call 911 “to see if the bridge is open” or for anything other than a genuine emergency.

“This is an emergency number and we can’t be pulling dispatchers away to answer these calls,” said Stone.

At 4:20 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, the Brigantine Police Department issued a notice that mandatory evacuation calls to residents will begin 6 a.m. Friday and residents should be prepared to leave the island immediately.

“Evacuation will only occur if there is a serious threat to safety,” said Lt. Bennett on Wednesday.

Evacuation notices will be sent out via the reverse 911 system by Atlantic County government and will also be posted on Channel 2.

“If you are concerned about the storm, we recommend that residents make plans to stay with mainland family or friends,” said Stone. “The Brigantine North School is the island’s designated emergency shelter if it comes to that. Residents should know that pets will not be allowed in the center. We have no space for them and we have to accommodate those that might have allergies to pets.” 

Senior citizens are encouraged to visit family or friends and make sure they have all necessary medications. Those who require oxygen should ensure that they have additional tanks on hand.

Parking is always an issue during a storm. Bennett noted that this Monday the island will have an “astronomical tide” (new moon) which will result in significantly high waters. That, combined with the possible bay surge, could result in flooding throughout the island. Parking is recommended at the following sites: 26th Street fields, 42nd Street near the tennis courts, Towne Center, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, City Hall as well as the empty lots out near the golf course. 

The usual purchases will be popular as residents load up on batteries, candles, milk, water and food.

“Make sure you have enough food for 72 hours, as well as water. Cover your medication needs and don’t forget about your pets,” said Lt. Bennett.

Residents that see power lines down are encouraged to call the Police Department’s main phone number at (609) 266-7414. Boat owners are encouraged to get their boats out of the water prior to the storm’s approach.

“A word to the wise is sufficient” is a proverb that has gained credence over the years. Residents are encouraged to embrace this wisdom and follow direction as the city’s police, fire and public works departments are working hard preparing for Irene’s visit.