Mayor: Hurricane Response Will Be Around the Clock

With Hurricane Sandy bearing down on the region, Cherry Hill is continuing an effort to try to mitigate the storm’s effects, Mayor Chuck Cahn said Sunday evening.

Though schools, the library and the township municipal building are all shut down, the township will activate its emergency operations center at 8 a.m. Monday via the mayor’s office, which will remain in operation through the duration of the storm, Cahn said.

“I want residents to rest assured that Cherry Hill Township and our emergency management personnel will work around the clock to minimize the effects felt in this community to the greatest possible extent,” he said.

Like the county's preventative measures, Cherry Hill workers have been working ahead of the storm to try to reduce flooding hazards, Cahn said, clearing storm drains and preparing equipment to deal with downed trees and other issues as they may arise during the storm. Additional firefighters and police are on hand to help with the storm response, as well.

Cherry Hill police have asked residents to stay off the roads through the day Monday unless absolutely necessary, in order to speed up an emergency response during the storm.

Non-emergency questions and concerns can be directed to the mayor’s office at 856-488-7878 starting at 8 a.m. Monday. Power outages, should any occur, should be reported to PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG, rather than to the township. Cahn stressed that point, noting outages reported to the company allow it to map areas of need in the storm's wake.

Cherry High High School East will be a designated shelter, should evacuations become necessary.

Residents who live in flood-prone areas and feel they need to relocate to a shelter should get in touch with the township, Cahn said, either by calling 856-665-1200 or the mayor’s office at 856-488-7878.

In addition to recommendations by other agencies, the township's emergency management office released the following:

• Secure all outdoor furniture, trash cans, recycling cans, and decorations, as these items can easily blow around and become dangerous debris in high winds.
• Stock up on batteries, flash lights, water and other emergency supplies specific to your family. Remember to prepare your pets' supplies as well.
• Keep emergency contact numbers, including the ones listed below, close at hand.
• Fill your vehicle's gas tank, and have additional fuel on hand for your generator, if needed.
• Charge cell phones, laptop computers and other devices you may need access to in the event of a power outage.
• Have cash on hand, as power outages may limit access to ATMs and banks in the next few days.
• Refill important prescriptions and have enough medication on hand for seven days.
• If you encounter standing water on a roadway, please do not drive through it. Doing so can jeopardize your safety and the safety of our first responders. During the storm, please stay off the roadways all together.
• Stay away from downed power lines, as they may be live and dangerous. Report all power outages, downed wires and utility poles to PSEG.

In addition to the library, school and municipal building closures, the township has cancelled trash, recycling and leaf pickup Monday. For a full list of what's closed and canceled, check Hurricane Sandy Closings and Cancellations, which will be updated as information is released.

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