Hurricane Sandy Checklist Posted by Madison Schools

A document posted on the Madison Public Schools website outlines steps people should take to prepare for Hurrice Sandy, who to call in the event of outages, and what to do during the storm. Officials also are asking residents to clear leaves from curbs and drains.

We will be updating this webpage during the weekend, please check here often.

For the latest statewide information, please see the New Jersey State Office of Emergency Management website.

Take Note:  Please do not leave cars in the street.  This is facilitate the efforts of our agency services personnel, as well as simplify the task of public works personnel clearing any downed trees, or our electrical utility personnel working on any compromised power lines. Clearing the streets will help us help you. Please move cars from the street as soon as feasible, and be in doors before the storm gets severe.

During the possible upcoming storm, please reserve 911 for calls concerning bodily injury or other serious emergencies. Please call 973-966-7330 to report blackouts, downed power lines or trees that have fallen against power lines or across the road. Please do not call 911 simply because 973-966-7330 busy. Remember, other members of your community will also be calling.

Please take this opportunity to sign up for Nixle; Nixle allows your police department to communicate with you promptly and efficiently via text and email at no cost to you.

FEMA advises that if a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or TV for information. Use the Internet for detailed weather information.
• Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets.
• Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
• You should have three to five days worth of food and drinking water.
• Conserver water use as much as is feasible.
• Make sure you have fresh batteries in working flashlights, and make sure all of your family members can easily find them.

During a Hurricane:

• Be sure all of your family stays indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
• Close all interior doors-secure and brace external doors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds may pick up again.
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
• Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
• Be sure to stay far away from any down power lines.

After the Hurricane

The Commissioner of Banking and Insurance has put together this list of suggestions for consumers on filing insurance claims.

Once it is safe to return home, assess the damage and make temporary repairs or arrange for a qualified professional to do so in order to protect your property. Take photos of the damage and remove personal property if your home cannot be secured. Make a list of damaged property. Do not dispose of property until an insurance adjuster has reviewed it for your claim. Many policies include reimbursement for storage costs incurred until your home is repaired.
Make sure you know what is in your policy and what coverage options are available for your cleanup and repair efforts.

If you can still live in your home, talk with your agent or insurer about critical repairs that need to be made. Whether you make the repairs or hire someone, save the receipts for your claim.

If you need to find other lodging, keep records of expenses and all receipts. Homeowners and renter's insurance generally provide limited coverage for expenses like: meals, rent, utility installation and transportation.

If you have any questions about the coverage in your policy, or if you need help with a problem regarding your claim following a disaster at your home, contact the Department at 1-800-446-7467 or  http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/index.html.

For emergency preparedness information go to: http://www.ready.nj.gov/.

For more information on flood insurance availability through the NFIP, go to: www.floodsmart.gov