Hurricane Sandy: What Every Newarker Needs to Know

UPDATED Sunday, Oct. 28 at 9:50 pm

Newark's public schools will be closed Monday, city officials announced Sunday night.

Earlier in the day, city officials urged residents in the strongest terms to make preparations for Hurricane Sandy, including, if necessary, immediately heading to the city’s shelter, the JFK Rec Center, 211 W. Kinney St., which is opening Sunday night.

The shelter accepts pets, Mayor Cory Booker added during a press conference at the city’s emergency management center on Clinton Avenue. Residents are advised to bring food, clothing and bedding as well as essential medications.

Booker, surrounded by police, fire, Red Cross and other officials, said residents who live in known flood areas should feel free to head to the center before the storm begins. If the center fills up, Booker added, secondary shelters will be opened. Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo was also on hand to remind residents that the county has a shelter set up at Codey Arena, 560 Northfield Ave. in West Orange. That shelter opens Sunday night at 7pm.

Booker addressed a number of points during the press conference, including:

• Will schools be open Tuesday? Booker said he “fully anticipates” schools to be closed on Tuesday. City officials announced Sunday night schools are definitely closed Monday.

• Use 9-1-1 only in true emergencies; otherwise use the city’s non-emergency number, 973-733-4311. This number will be staffed  around the clock for the duration of the weather event.

• There will be garbage pickup Monday, but none on Tuesday. Booker urged residents to use common sense when putting out the trash, since high winds are expected with this storm. He also urged residents to clear the area around their houses and apartment buildings of debris that could be harmful in a high-wind storm.

• Don’t rely on mass transit. NJ Transit has already announced it is shutting down service beginning Sunday and into Monday.

• Additional first responders, including police officers and firefighters, have been called in and will be working round-the-clock on 12-hour shifts.

• Stock up on batteries, a battery-powered radio, candles, medications, nonperishable food and water for drinking as well as bathing. Residents may consider filling their bathtubs for water. Charge up cell phones and laptops.

• Parking restrictions are suspended.

• Residents are strongly urged to stay off the roads.

• Residents are encouraged to visit the state’s emergency Web site, for updates. Booker also urged residents to download the Red Cross app on their cell phones.