Crime & Safety

Ridgewood OEM: Be Prepared to Evacuate or Keep Shelter for 3 Days

Officials warn Hurricane Sandy, expected to hit Sunday night, has the capability of causing loss of life or property.

Hurricane Sandy is expected to reach the Ridgewood area as early as Sunday night and blast the village with wind gusts as high as 75 mph while also causing heavy flooding.

In a 411 message sent to residents Sunday, the Ridgewood Office of Emergency Management told those in the low-lying areas to move to higher ground and be ready to self-evacuate if needed.

Ridgewood Fire Chief Jim Van Goor told Patch the fire department would be ready with rescue boats if the situation warrants.

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Others in the area should be prepare with enough food and water to last three days, the 411 message stated.

Officials are urging residents who do venture outside to avoid any downed power lines or trees and to avoid flood waters. Any outdoor furniture should be properly secured.

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The 911 should only be utilized in the case of a life-threatening emergency, OEM officials said.

Ridgewood Village Hall has door dams in places and vehicles have been moved to higher ground. If flooding is as bad as projected, there's a high likelihood the first floor is inundated with water again. This time around, however, due to the construction materials recently installed, repair costs shoud be minimal.

The county also loaned Ridgewood two SUVs for the police department, which may be critical as the full effects hit Sunday night.

The village police department had been down to one usable SUV though the chief has requested new SUVs for several years.

Workers from the Streets Department have been clearing the 2,500 storm drains, though residents continuing to place leaves in the streets has impeded those efforts somewhat.

Ridgewood Public Schools announced classes were canceled for Monday and Tuesday. Glen Rock has not reached a decision as of 5 p.m. Sunday.

For a list of critical information and contacts, make sure to check out this article. 

Previous coverage:

  • Ridgewood Offers Free Parking During 'Frankenstorm' to Flood-Area Residents
  • NJ Transit to Begin System Shutdown at 4 p.m. on Sunday
  • Sandy Inland Flooding Threat Increases For NJ
  • Hurricane Sandy: Everything You Need to Know in Ridgewood/Glen Rock
  • Tons of Supplies Still at 'Nimble' Glen Rock Hardware
  • Evacuations Possible if Hurricane Sandy Hits Bergen County
  • No Halloween Curfews Planned in Ridgewood – For Now
  • Strengthens 
  • Glen Rock Institutes 'Mischief Night' Curfew

 

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