Jefferson: We're Ready to Deal with Irene

Jefferson Township officials say they're prepared for a visit from Irene, even though she may not be the most welcome of visitors.

“We’re treating this in much the same way that we treat a major snowstorm in terms of being prepared,” said Jefferson Township Mayor Russell Felter. “We have guys from the DPW on duty for the weekend, and we’ve made sure that all our equipment is ready to go.”

Felter said that the township has 400 sandbags filled and ready to be placed strategically around town, particularly in places that are flood prone.

“We also have a pump on Windsor Drive, and we have another pump that will be at the DPW garage if we need it,” Felter said. “Also, the fire departments will be available to go out and pump out basements.”

As for back-up power, the municipal building has a generator, as do the senior center and the health center, according to Felter.

“All those places could be used as shelters if we need them, and so can Camp Jefferson,” he said.

The DPW has also been out cleaning out catch basins.

“We trying to make sure we are doing all we can to get ready for the storm. I think we’re as prepared as we can be,” Felter said. “We’ve seen a lot the past several years, between the flood and Hurricane Floyd, so we know what to do. And now we’ll do it. Whatever comes, comes. We’ll deal with it.”