Library is SO Shelter; Pets Okay; Codey Arena Also Open

Updated: The Village of South Orange has now made all FEMA and emergency preparedness information available on its website.

A state of emergency was declared Friday in South Orange, effective at 3 p.m., in anticipation of Hurricane Irene. As part of Village preparations, the library has been designated an emergency shelter. If the library is uninhabitable, the first alternate location is the South Orange Village Hall. The shelter will open as soon as residents notify the Village and/or the South Orange Police Department that it's needed.

Pets can be brought along, though the animals may be rerouted to the Jersey Animal Coalition, which has been contacted, says Village President Alex Torpey.

In addition, the county has declared Codey Arena a shelter starting Saturday.

John Gross, Village Administrator and Emergency Management Coordinator, and Village President Alex Torpey signed the declaration this morning. The Village is contacting residents and visitors through media, social media, reverse 911 and SOMA-tv. In addition, high-risk individuals are being contacted directly.

Residents don't need to evacuate unless specific situations warrant, but residents should prepare. In addition, the Village officials note that the Office of Emergency Management will be working through the storm, with all available emergency personnel on hand. Residents are asked to call 911 in case of emergency or downed power lines.

Local Resources:

southorange.org/ready

9-1-1 emergency

SOPD non-emergency 973 763 3000

PSE&G 800 436 7734

More information here