GTPD Releases Hurricane Preparedness Statement

Gloucester Township officials met Friday evening to cement plans in preparation of Hurricane Irene.

Irene is expected to hit the Blackwood area Saturday night as a tropical storm, with hurricane conditions possible, according to the latest National Weather Service forecast.

The storm is now expected to dump as much as 8 inches of rain and bring sustained winds as high as 50 mph to our area. Gusts could reach 60 mph in the township at the peak of the storm.

"We're confident that we have a plan that has us as ready as we can be as the storm approaches," Gloucester Township Police Chief W. Harry Earle said Friday night.

No evacuations have been ordered in Camden County at this point.

Police issued the following statement following Friday night's meeting:

Officials from the Gloucester Township Police Department and the Gloucester Township Office of Emergency Management met tonight to make preparations for Hurricane Irene. The Gloucester Township Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will activate with a limited staff on Saturday, Aug. 27, at 08:00 a.m. The EOC will upgrade to full staffing with Emergency and Township Officials as the storm approaches, and will remain staffed during recovery efforts. Emergency services will have extra staffing to respond to the impact of the storm.

Residents are encouraged to make preparations for the impact of tropical storm force winds, heavy rain and flooding. Residents should make preparations for extended power outages that could last for several days. At this time no areas in Camden County are under an evacuation order. Residents are being encouraged to shelter themselves in their homes. Please refrain from using 9-1-1 except for true emergencies. Residents generally concerned about their safety and non-emergency issues are encouraged to call 856-228-4500. Residents are encouraged to monitor their local media outlets for additional information. Gloucester Township Emergency Management officials are monitoring this serious weather event, and will provide updated information before, during, and after the Hurricane.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for the Gloucester Township Police Global Connect Community Notification System for additional emergency information about the hurricane and other emergencies, including road closures. Residents can sign up by going to the Gloucester Township website and clicking on "Police updates on Global Connect."