Livingston Urges Residents to Prepare for the Nor'easter

As Winter Storm Damon pours down on Livingston, Township officials are reminding local residents to be prepared in case of an emergency.

The township noted that in light of this week’s Nor’easter, preparing an emergency kit is more important than ever, urging residents “not to be caught by surprise.”

“Planning to put together an emergency kit ‘sometime soon’ is a great idea, but if there’s a disaster or an emergency in the meantime, what will you and your family do?” Mayor Michael Rieber said.

The Township noted that it is important for local residents to stay in touch, especially during an emergency. Citizens can sign up for apps and programs such as Livingston’s Swift911 Notification system at livingstonnj.org.

“We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘Be Informed, Make a Plan, Build a Kit’ – maybe we’ve even talked about it with our kids, but how many of us have actually done it?” Rieber stated during National Preparedness Month.

Livingston has partnered with Ready.gov to help local residents prepare for emergencies. According to Ready.gov, every emergency kit should include the following basic supplies:

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Whistle to signal for help

• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Manual can opener for food

• Local maps

• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

“If we knew exactly when an emergency would occur and just what the situation would be,” said Township Manager Michele Meade, “We would make sure we took the steps to be prepared, but because we’re all so busy – and we don’t know if or when we’ll even need it – we put off planning for an emergency.

Car safety is also extremely important, especially during hazardous weather conditions such as these. Never drive through a flooded area – six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control and stall, while a foot of water can cause many cars to float, according to Ready.gov. An emergency kit for your car should include the following items.

• Jumper cables: might want to include flares or reflective triangle

• Flashlights: with extra batteries

• First Aid Kit: remember any necessary medications, baby formula and diapers if you have a small child

• Food: non-perishable food such as canned food, and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars

• Manual can opener

• Water: at least 1 gallon of water per person a day for at least 3 days

• Basic toolkit: pliers, wrench, screwdriver

• Pet supplies: food and water

• Radio: battery or hand cranked

• Cat litter or sand: for better tire traction

• Shovel

• Ice scraper

• Clothes: warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes for the cold

• Blankets or sleeping bags

Charged Cell Phone: and car charger

“Put your family’s safety first by being prepared; sign up for information, make a family plan, and build an emergency kit,” Township Manager Meade added.