Updated: Thursday, 25 Aug 2011, 1:44 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 25 Aug 2011, 12:30 PM EDT
MYFOXNY.COM STAFF REPORT
MYFOXNY.COM - N.J. Gov. Chris Christie signed a state of emergency declaration on Thursday ahead of the incoming hurricane.
"We have to be prepared," Christie said during a news conference from the State Police Regional Operations Center in Ewing, adding that this is not a "cry wolf" situation.
The declaration allowed him to activate 6,000 members of the National Guard. The governor says Irene would have a "severe" impact on the Garden State.
"We are urging residents not to go to the shore this weekend," Christie said.
"I am urging people to leave (the shore) by tomorrow (Friday), especially the barrier islands. The local shelters will be open soon," said Christie.
Evacuations of the barrier islands in Atlantic County are likely although a final decision will not be made until Friday.
"I will not order evacuations unless they are absolutely necessary. We are not overreacting. Do not attempt to ride this out if you're asked to evacuate," said Christie.
Significant levels of flooding are in the forecast.
"People should not take this lightly," Christie said.
The N.J. Dept. of Corrections reportedly will be evacuating more than 2,000 inmates from the Southern State Correctional Facility Thursday due to the possibility of storm and flood damage from Hurricane Irene. The inmates will be transported to other state facilities.
The center of Hurricane Irene is expected to make landfall anywhere between southern New Jersey and New England.
State Officials offer the following preparation tips:
•top off the gas tank in your car
•ATMS will not work, get your cash now
•get your flashlights and batteries
•have a hand-cranked radio
•if you take prescription drugs, fill them now
•have a first aid kit
•have adequate food and water; enough for 5 days
•non-perishable foods
•can openers
•baby formula
•baby diapers
•know the emergency evacuation routes around your town
Read more:
http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/hurricane-irene-new-jersey-state-of-emergency-20110825-kc#ixzz1W46eIAwM
