Governor Christie Preps New Jersey for Sandy

Take the time now to activate your family preparedness plans, before "Frankenstorm" makes its way to New Jersey. 

That's the message from Governor Christie who directed cabinet officials today to mobilize preparations for a coordinated response to the potential storm that's expected to make landfall in New Jersey early next week.

Christie will discuss New Jersey's efforts to prepare for the approaching super storm Saturday, the day after Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency in neighboring New York.

"While Sandy's exact track is still uncertain, New Jersey has the potential to experience a major impact from high winds, heavy rain, flooding and power outages," said Governor Christie.  "That's why it's important from the State level on down to prepare in advance of this serious storm.  The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management's Hurricane Survival Guide is available to residents online with important information about emergency preparedness.  Now, ahead of any potential impact of Sandy, is the time for families to ensure they are prepared and are tuned in for the latest path of the storm for our coast.  I encourage all of our families to stay informed, get ready and reach out to those you know who may be isolated, or in need of extra assistance during adverse conditions."

The State Emergency Operations Center was activated at 8:00 this morning to coordinate storm preparations.

Here's how to stay informed:

• Online-Use credible websites to get information.  The NJ Office of Emergency Management works closely with the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center regarding storm predictions and forecasts.
•  National Weather Service 
•  National Hurricane Center
• New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
• Social media - social media sites are used by the NJOEM and by emergency managers statewide
• Find out if your community has a reverse 9-1-1 system or if you can opt-in for email updates from municipal officials.
• "Like" the NJOEM on Facebook, follow it on Twitter

• New Jersey residents can register to receive messages by sending a text message with their zip code to 888777 (data rates may apply depending on your plan). Online registration is also available at www.nixle.com
  

• NJ Alert - NJ Alert is a free, voluntary and confidential emergency alerting system that allows NJ Office of Emergency Management officials to send E-mail or text messages to cell phones, and other email enabled devices during an emergency event.   Sign up for NJ Alert by logging on to: www.njalert.gov

• NOAA Weather Radio - is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service Office. NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. NOAA Weather Radios are typically inexpensive, easily available in stores and can often be programmed for your specific area.   http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/

• Traditional Media - Stay informed of breaking news and continued coverage of emergency events by checking back at NJ1015.com or text SANDY to 89-000 to sign up for our storm alerts. We'll be texting out updates all week.

Associated Press contributed to this report