Mayor: Borough Prepared For Irene; Residents Should Take Precautions Now

As Hurricane Irene approaches and the borough urges residents to prepare for the worst-case scenario, Mayor Mary-Anna Holden issued a statement to the residents of Madison on Friday. Holden, who was at the borough's office of emergency management meeting Friday morning, told residents that borough employees are as ready as they can be for the storm. She also said the borough has asked those workers who are on vacation to come back and is reaching out to retired employees for their availability.

Holden also said, as did Gov. Chris Christie on Friday, now is the time to take emergency precautions and not in the coming hours and days.

Here is Holden's statement to residents, which she sent to Patch, in its entirety.

Good afternoon. The Borough's Emergency Management Team has been working for the last few days and met together as recently as Friday morning to strategize and prepare for Hurricane Irene.

I want to assure our residents that we are as prepared for the unknown as we possibly can be.

We are not taking this impending storm lightly. This is very serious and it is important that you heed the advice of our professionals and trained volunteers.

To this end we are recalling all employees from vacation and are reaching out to retired employees as to their availability.

I have been in touch with the Governor's office and the Borough is fully coordinated up the chain of command with the Morris County Office of Emergency Management, the State office and the Federal office, FEMA. The Governor has ordered the evacuation of the Jersey Shore.

For those of you who remember Hurricane Hugo, we expect this to be a larger event something that Madison may not have experienced in 40 years.

Take emergency precautions now as the Borough is doing on your behalf.

First, top off your car's tank with gas. While you are out doing that, it wouldn't hurt to bring in a supply of water if you do not have jugs of water to fill with tap water; and buy some non-perishable food items.

Second, secure, or preferably bring inside all patio furniture, hanging plants, anything that may become a flying object causing damage to your home or your neighbor's. This includes any loose wood, logs or tree limbs. Do not be fooled by the beauty of today. Winds are anticipated to be in excess of 50 miles per hour with 8-12" of rain.

You will be hearing shortly from our Office of Emergency Management coordinator, Bob Landrigan. Let me underscore what he will tell you–the safest place to be will be your home. It is strongly suggested that you stay away from windows and find a secure place in the middle of your home. Patrolman Joe Longo, the deputy coordinator, also will be addressing you shortly about calls for help or concern about power outages.

Prepare now with some ziplock-type waterproof bags, to secure important information about your health, and other important papers. Government identification, i.e. passport or driver's license. Be sure to have cash on hand and a credit card. These items should be handy along with a flashlight and a supply of medications should you need to go to a shelter. A list of preparedness items will follow this broadcast on a scrolling basis.

Shelters. Again, the best shelter is probably your home. If your home is damaged and uninhabitable, due to flooding or uprooted trees or downed powerlines. You will be directed to a shelter. Regular alerts will be issued by the police dept on Nixle, the Rosenet website and through a cooperative agreement with the Board of Education's automated phone network. As long as cable TV remains on the air, I will try to give you an update on a regular basis.

The Health department will also be mobilized and reminds residents to be aware when using generators, propane stoves, charcoal grills and any gas-powered equipment–never use them inside your home or garage. And certainly, do not idle your car in a closed garage. Please keep your refrigerator and freezer closed.

Limit the use of showers and toilet flushes, when possible.

I know there are a million items to remember…. but I will be with the Emergency Management Team beginning very early Sunday morning to monitor Madison's operations and recovery as Irene visits.

Thank you for your continued operation in helping yourself and your neighbors.

A video of the mayor's statement can be found by clicking this link.