Mandatory evacuation from barrier islands

Last Updated on Sunday, October 28, 2012 11:04 am Written by Staff Reports Saturday, October 27, 2012 07:52 pm

Residents and visitors on Atlantic County’s barrier islands are asked to evacuate by 4 p.m.  Sunday, Oct. 28. A mandatory evacuation of the barrier islands, between Sandy Hook and Cape May, was issued earlier today by Gov. Chris Christie.

Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson has confirmed that the county will initially provide five shelters for evacuees, three of which will be pet-friendly. Crews are currently working to move resources into place.

The shelters provide only basic provisions to provide protection for those who are unable to find other accommodations. If possible seek out friends and family members with whom you can stay to ride out the storm.

People should also take this time to gas up their cars, gather supplies, including prescription medicines, have cash on hand, review evacuation routes and check on the elderly and those with special needs.

“Residents may leave at any time. And the sooner they do so the less likely they will be to experience traffic delays,” stated Levinson. “Before leaving, please be sure to let someone know where you are headed and at what time you plan to leave.”

The county executive stressed that this storm is different than any we have ever experienced as Hurricane Sandy is projected to come in from the ocean and make landfall in New Jersey and perhaps mix with two other storm fronts. Heavy rainfall, high winds that may reach in excess of 70 mph, coastal and inland flooding and severe beach erosion are expected over several days.

“This storm is of historical proportions and needs to be taken extremely seriously,” he said.

Residents in need of assistance should first contact their local office of emergency management. Contact numbers are available at www.ReadyAtlantic.org.

Atlantic County announces shelter locations for island evacuees