With Hurricane Sandy expected to bring tropical storm force winds, stream and road flooding, and utility outages, Burlington County Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio announced the County offices would be closed, Monday, Oct. 29, except for essential personnel.
In addition, said Garganio, he and the County’s Emergency Management personnel would provide a press briefing at 10 a.m. at the County’s Public Safety Facility on Academy Drive, in Westampton.
“We’re hoping to have a better handle on where we stand, and where we’re headed, as Sandy batters Burlington County starting tomorrow midday into Tuesday,” said Garganio. “The County has done everything possible to prepare, and hopefully, our residents have as well.”
Garganio said that every effort has been made to open dams and lower water levels on all the branches of the Rancocas Creek, but residents who live along the creek should be prepared to evacuate.
“I’m not comfortable saying, ‘think worst case scenario,’” he said. “but all branches of the creek are subject to flooding, and that’s an unfortunate fact.”
All transportation services have been cancelled for tomorrow, including the BurLink bus service and the paratransit service for seniors and the handicapped. Curbside recycling has been cancelled for both Monday and Tuesday. In addition, both Meals on Wheels and congregate (nutrition site) meals program have been cancelled for Monday.
County Emergency Management personnel said, with the assistance of the Red Cross, three shelters have been designated for residents who may need to evacuate their homes. They include:
- Fountain of Life — Life Center, Florence capacity 200 people plus 50 medical needs beds.
- Chairville School, Medford — capacity of 200 people
- Palmyra Community Center, Palmyra — capacity of 200
The Fountain of Life and Palmyra shelters are expected to open by 9 a.m. The Medford shelter will open at noon. The County is working on preparations to open additional shelters if needed.
Kevin Tuno, Burlington County Emergency Management Coordinator, said some municipalities are likely to open shelters a well; residents should check with local emergency management coordinators and municipal offices.
While Burlington County will face the major impact of the storm tomorrow, the eye will pass through around midnight, bringing a temporary calm. But the back end of the storm will follow thereafter, once again bringing heavy winds — as high as 65 MPH — and heavy rain.
Burlington County’s Emergency Operations Center will be activated at 8 a.m., and County personnel will coordinate will State and local officials to mitigate the emergencies and issues that Sandy brings our way.
