Town Told to Expect 75 MPH Winds in Morning
• Mayor Cocchiola in Conference Call With Governor
Aug 27, 2011 – Mayor Joanne Cocchiola tonight told members of the NJHometown Messaage Board that she participated in a lengthly telephone conference earlier today regarding the hurricane emergency with Gov. Chris Cristie. Highlights of the Mayor's comments made to Message Board members are reported below:)
"All Commissioners and essential departmental personnel met, as stated on this board, on Thursday to go over emergency preparations. I think we are satisfied that we are as prepared as we can be. We do not want to keep flooding the C3 (telephone alert) system and I urge anyone who has terminated that service to reinstate it for the next few days. It is the only way we can communicate. I have been communicating on facebook, as well.
"I reported to the Board of Commissioners just a few hours ago that I participated in a conference call with the Governor and representatives of his cabinet. The information presented follows:
"Governor Christie thanked all local officials, particularly those in South Jersey for cooperating with evacuation efforts. 95% of shore communities have been evacuated and 5300 people are in shelters. Colonel Fuentes advised that the life saving mission is almost completed with the evacuation.
"The storm has weakened to a Category 1 but winds are still expected in excess of 75 mph. The storm is 450 miles wide so expect long intense rain. They do not expect that all damaged will be assessed for 3-5 days. The National Guard advised that they have deployed 1,500 soldiers and airmen and have equipment stored in 12 different armory locations.
"Helicopters will be assessing damage statewide on Monday.
"The Director of Homeland Security advised that Rutgers and Mennen Arena are being utilized as shelters. The Izod Center may be utilized as well. He stated, however, that we are almost at the point in time where people cannot be moved until after the storm passes. Commissioner Simpson advised that all rail service is terminated. Bus service ceased at 6 p.m. today. They cannot determine at this time when service will be restored.
"That is a basic synopsis. Please know that all of the Nutley Commissioners are here and available. We will be available through the night, as well as staff. We have an Emergency Plan in place and we are ready to act on it."
