Preparing For Tropical Storm “Sandy”

            If you were in this area in the summer of 2011, then you, like many residents, are currently experiencing “post-Irene jitters” as you watch the current weather reports. Sandy is a-comin’, and it doesn’t look like she has any plans of backing down!

            Current weather reports are predicting the worst of the weather to come our way Monday into Tuesday morning.  (Of course, weather is tricky, and this is subject to change.)  It looks less and less likely that Sandy will move out to sea before she hits our area, so it’s best to be prepared.  Not panicked – just prepared.

            If any good at all came out of the horrific flooding experience after Hurricane Irene, it was  . . . .1. the unbelievable outpouring of help and caring from the surrounding community, which most would argue brought us all closer together and built an appreciation for the wonderful community we live in, and 2. being more “in the know” about being prepared for weather emergencies. 

            The Cranford Police Department is hard at work right now, ensuring that all is ready to deal with the worst, even while hoping for the best.  They have posted, and will continue to update, readiness information at https://local.nixle.com/alert/4902390/?sub_id=998413.  If you have not yet signed up for Nixle.com (also available as a mobile app), it may be a good time to consider doing so.  It’s a great way to stay updated. 

            Let common sense, rather than panic, take over.  Make sure sump pumps are in working order, and, if you are lucky enough to have a generator, be sure it is ready to go.  Get all that stuff off the basement floor!  A huge amount of what was lost during Irene was due to low-lying possessions that no one THOUGHT would be in the way of flooding.  Now we know better.  Have your emergency kit put together, and be sure there are batteries in flashlights and radios.  If you’ve got kids, have entertainment on hand for them.  For many of us, the worst part of the post-Irene blackout was NOT the loss of power, it was having to listen to the children WHINE about the loss of TV and video games!  It may be a good idea to have a car charger for handheld video games, iPods, and cell phones ready, so that if power is lost, the car can be used as a “charger.”  Take down the Halloween decorations that are outside and easily blown away. Rake up leaves and keep all drains clear and clean gutters if possible. Stock up on necessities, especially medications!

            The best line of defense is preparation.  No one has so far predicted the same storm force that we experienced with Irene.  But a little preparation goes a long way.  Check in with Cranford Police postings, plan to make Monday “family game night” with everyone indoors, and be hope the kids get to wear their costumes to school THIS year, since we were snowed and iced in LAST year!  Gotta’ love Mother Nature . . . . she certainly keeps us on our toes!

       I also spoke with Robin Hoy from PuroClean Restoration Services, located at 16 South Ave. West Suite 279 Cranford  908-577-9120. Robin, her husband Chris, and their team were instrumental in assisting many of Cranford’s hardest hit residents recover from Hurricane Irene, and are advising people to be prepared for the upcoming storm, but to remain calm. There are many steps you can take. For more information, I HIGHLY recommend you read PuroClean’s Hurricane Preparedness Guide. http://www.puroclean.com/sites/www.puroclean.com/files/offices/837/hurricaneguide.pdf