Atlantic County Issues State of Emergency

In anticipation of Hurricane Sandy, Atlantic County officials have declared a state of emergency.

Here's the release from the Atlantic County Office of Public Information:

Effective 6 AM, Saturday, October 27, 2012, a state of emergency is in effect in Atlantic County in preparation for Hurricane Sandy which threatens to impact our area within the next few days with heavy rain, extensive flooding and beach erosion, and sustained winds of 74 mph or higher over a period of 24-48 hours.

Residents are urged to prepare for this powerful and potentially dangerous storm that is expected to cause downed trees and wires resulting in extended power outages. Make plans to relocate with family or friends should evacuations be ordered. Prepare an emergency kit with several days supplies, including identification documents, prescription medications in labeled containers, necessary baby items and pet supplies, toiletries, change of clothes, etc.

If orders to evacuate are issued, the county will provide several shelters, however these should be a last option as they offer very basic provisions. And due to the magnitude of this storm, it may necessitate a stay of several days. Pet-friendly shelters will only accept pets in carriers with their own supply of food.

Residents who require assistance should contact their local office of emergency management. Contact numbers are provided on www.ReadyAtlantic.org and in the Verizon phone book. You may also access this information by calling the county's emergency information hotline at 1-866-704-4636.

The state of emergency will remain in effect until further notice to allow officials to employ resources and assets necessary to prepare for and response to the impending storm. There is no travel ban in effect at this time.