Governor Declares State of Emergency in Rain Drenched Counties
Yesterday, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order 33, declaring a state of emergency in Bergen, Essex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic counties and allowing for the extension of state resources, as necessary and as requested, into communities most directly impacted by flooding as a result of this past weekend’s torrential rains.
On Saturday, August 11, and Sunday, August 12, several communities received between five and eight inches of rain, exceeding what should be the expected rainfall for the entire month. As a result, numerous neighborhoods experienced significant localized flooding, driving residents from their homes and shuttering businesses. Municipalities along waterways are also dealing with cleanup of downed trees, mud, and other storm-related debris. The National Weather Service has indicated that more storms may hit New Jersey, further complicating cleanup in affected communities.
Local officials should continue to document damages for debris removal, such as downed trees and mud from streets, and emergency protective measures, such as sandbagging or pumping out flood water. Please advise residents and businesses to carefully document all property damages caused by floodwaters to the appropriate County Office of Emergency Management. Businesses may also account for revenues lost due to the floods.
Please note. The Executive Order provides, in part:
In accordance with N.J.S.A. App. A:9-34, N.J.S.A. App. A:9- 40.6, and N.J.S.A. 40A:14-156.4, no municipality or public or semipublic agency shall send public works, fire, police, emergency medical, or other personnel or equipment into any non-contiguous disaster-stricken municipality within this State, nor to any disaster-stricken municipality outside this State, unless and until such aid has been directed by the county emergency management coordinator or his or her deputies in consultation with the State Director of Emergency Management.
You can review Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 33, for a full understanding of the State’s response to the emergency.
Governor Murphy has also urged all New Jerseyans to exercise caution when traveling into rain-impacted areas. He stressed that motorists should not attempt to cross flooded streets, and to remain vigilant for power lines that may be brought down by falling trees.
Residents may visit ready.nj.gov for information on how to build an emergency preparedness kit, plan ahead, and prepare your family for emergencies. The NJ Office of Emergency Management provides important weather updates and safety information on Twitter at @ReadyNJ.
Contact: Michael F. Cerra., Assistant Executive Director, mcerra@njslom.org, 609-695-3481, x120.
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