Hurricane preparation is an important part of safety provisions, especially after Hurricane Sandy struck the area last October causing mass devastation.
With the arrival of hurricane season, the Camden County Department of Public Safety and county OEM have expanded and invested in the regional emergency operations center and will provide residents with preparation information.
“In this current climate of annual hurricanes and catastrophic weather events occurring on a more consistent basis, it is imperative for us to step up and have the proper resources to combat the damaging toll these storms take on our population,” county freeholder Scot McCray said.
The county recently completed a $40 million project for a new radio system that allows 37 county fire and EMS units and 34 police departments to interact over one radio frequency, McCray said.
According to a county news release, the 700 MHz radio system allows up to eight specific channels for on-scene first responders to communicate on without interruption.
A GIS mapping software system is also included, allowing for an accurate dispatch as well as military grade encryption to eliminate and monitor criminal hacking.
“This in itself will give our first responders the ability to coordinate, like they never could before, during a hurricane or any other dangerous event. This radio system will also give our public safety officials unprecedented intelligence before a response is crafted to any situation through content sharing and interoperability over one radio network,” McCray said.
It is also important for residents and business owners to be prepared for a natural disaster.
According to county freeholders’ spokesman Dan Keashen, the county OEM has a list of ways for business owners, residents and even pet owners to prepare.
Business owners should collect important records and store them in a watertight container in a safe location; create a photo or video inventory and place it in a safe location; designate specific staff members for post-storm recovery; create a location to meet during storm-like conditions; and make sure insurance policies are up-to-date.
They should also assume communication lines or banking options would be down and should prepare in advance.
Residents should prepare with disaster supplies and stock up on batteries, flashlights, rope, tarp, plastic bags and appropriate clothing.
Residents should also make sure they have nonperishable items in case of a power outage, drinking water, medication for all family members, first aid kits, a battery operated radio, toiletries and cash.
The county OEM also suggests residents watch the news when a storm approaches and protect their homes when advised by local authorities, develop a family communications plan in case of separation and keep car gas tanks half full at all times throughout the season.
Pet owners should find out which shelters are pet friendly; make sure they have a pet carrier and two weeks’ worth of their pet’s medication; prepare a week’s worth of food and water; take a photo of their pet before they leave home; pack pet necessities such as a litter pan and litter, pads, towels, doggie trash bags and bathing supplies; make sure all identification, vaccine and medical information is on hand; and prepare for anxiety.
If residents or business owners are unsure of how to prepare, the county has information readily available.
“We always review plans for shelters, evacuation routes and outreach to businesses, residents and long-term care facilities. We house Red Cross representatives during large weather events, representatives of the state OEM and coordinate with municipal OEM personnel,” McCray said.
For more information on how to prepare, visit www.camdencounty.com/public-safety/office-emergency-management.
