As a heavy winter rainstorm is set to hit Camden County on Tuesday afternoon, the Camden County Office of Emergency Management and the Department of Public Safety are prepared to handle any and all emergencies due to the weather.
Gov. Phil Murphy has issued a state of emergency for this storm that goes into effect at 5 p.m. Camden County is urging residents to stay off roadways once the state of emergency begins and throughout the night.
“The more people we have out on the roads, the greater chance there is of an emergency situation unfolding,” Commissioner Jon Young said. “With this dangerous weather moving through, it’s best that all residents remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary.”
The county has opened its emergency operations center which has different support functions such as fire and search and rescue teams. Swift water and high-water rescue teams are also stood up, ready to respond to anyone in need. In the event you or someone you know is in need of rescue from flood water, call 911.
Camden County’s Department of Public Works and the Parks Department are also working overnight to respond to downed trees and debris.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and have deployed several techniques that will help us be prepared for whatever comes our way,” Young continued. “We will not rest until we know that we have made it to the other side of this storm, with all of our residents safe and sound. We will update the public with any important information as the storm rolls through.”
In the event, especially with this storm’s wind gusts, the weather causes power outages, please remember to immediately call your utility company so they can identify the location and coordinate crews to restore your power. This storm has the potential to bring down trees and power lines. Residents need to be extra cognizant of any power failures. Below are numbers and contact info for the two power providers in Camden County:
- PSE&G: 1-800-436-PSEG (7734)
- PSE&G website: http://pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/index.jsp
- Atlantic City Electric: 1-800-833-7476
- Atlantic City Electric website: http://www.atlanticcityelectric.com/home/
- South Jersey Gas: 1-800-582-7060
- South Jersey Gas website: http://southjerseygas.com/
“This is an all-hands-on deck operation, OEM and DPW are staying alert and are ready and prepared to help immediately in any situation,” said Commissioner Al Dyer, liaison to the Department of Public Works. “If you see a problem on a county road, please call our 24-hour hotline at (856) 566-2980 to report it to the Department of Public Works.”
To stay up to date on the weather forecast in South Jersey, visit https://www.weather.gov/phi/
