As Hurricane Irene approaches, residents are strongly urged to take precautions and consider leaving Hoboken. Governor Chris Christie has declared a state of emergency for the State of New Jersey and is urging residents to leave shore areas.
According to the SLOSH (Sea, Lake and Overland Surges from Hurricanes) model for Hoboken (see map here), the potential storm surge in the case of a direct hit from a Category 1 hurricane could result in flooding for most areas west of Garden Street (red areas in the graphic). Only areas near Washington Street and the Stevens campus are outside of the storm surge region for a Category 2 hurricane (orange areas). For this reason, even residents who live in areas that do not typically flood are strongly urged to prepare for flooding and consider leaving Hoboken.
Parking Information
The Hoboken Parking Utility typically offers free parking to residents in flood prone areas during severe rain/snow events when and if a storm is imminent. For weather due to Hurricane Irene, we expect to make such an announcement late Friday or Saturday based on the storm's location; however, residents who wish to park in a municipal garage earlier may do so immediately with the "Vacation Spot" program at a reduced rate of $5/day. Come to the Hoboken Parking Utility office at City Hall and provide the same documentation as required for a Resident parking permit; namely, a New Jersey driver's license and vehicle registration both with your name and Hoboken address. You will receive a “Visitor parking permit” that indicates validity in “Garage B” (located on 2nd Street between Hudson and River streets) only and the dates the permit is valid. If you do not have the standard documentation listed above, please see the requirements for a "Temporary parking permit" detailed here:
Updates
Residents are advised to monitor news and weather reports and check the City website, http://www.hobokennj.org for updates. Residents may sign up for email or text updates and alerts from the City of Hoboken by visiting: http://local.nixle.com/city-of-hoboken/
Emergency Contact Information
Police: 201-420-2100
Fire: 201-420-2005/2007
Emergency Operations Center information line: 201-239-6643/6644
Please contact the Emergency Operations Center as soon as possible if you or a loved one may require special assistance in the case of an evacuation due to health circumstances such as being non-ambulatory, bed-ridden, critically ill, suffering from Alzheimer’s or a similar condition, have impaired eyesight or hearing, or are reliant on a respirator, dialysis machine, or other electrical medical device.
Emergency Supply Kit
It is imperative that residents prepare now in case of an emergency. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. FEMA recommends the following items to include in a basic emergency supply kit:
Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger