N.J. Gov. Christie declares state of emergency for flood-prone areas as new storm nears

Published: Wednesday, March 09, 2011, 8:19 PM  

TRENTON — From Trenton to Little Falls, government officials and emergency management workers are putting out alerts and getting equipment in place for potential flooding from the latest rain storm that is converging on the Garden State. Among the actions:

• Gov. Chris Christie declared a state of emergency today and called on the National Guard to help out in areas at risk of flooding.

• In Little Falls, the Office of Emergency Management distributed sandbags and evacuation information to residents living near the Passaic River.

• In Woodbridge, the mayor's office sent out alerts asking homeowners and business owners on flood-prone streets to move their cars to higher ground.

• In Lincoln Park and Pequannock, emergency officials are getting fire boats ready for possible rescues.

Our Alert Status is now Standing By

The Red Cross will require 6 radio operators to support Disaster Assessment operations. Large scale operations would begin Sunday at the earliest, although some DA will happen on Friday. It will in all likelihood continue to next week.

If you are available this weekend or into next week, please contact KC2RFC for possible deployment.

201 259-8446 CrifasiRF@...

Bob KC2RFC

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING RIVERS IN NJ..
PASSAIC RIVER AT PINE BROOK AFFECTING ESSEX.MORRIS & PASSAIC
COUNTIES.
PASSAIC RIVER AT LITTLE FALLS AFFECTING ESSEX & PASSAIC COUNTIES

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS.

SAFETY MESSAGE.DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS. THE
WATER MAY BE DEEPER THAN YOU THINK.

&&

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE PASSAIC RIVER AT PINE BROOK.
* AT 5:30 AM THUR THE STAGE WAS 19.7 FEET.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 19.0 FEET.
* MINOR FLOODING IS OCCURRING & MAJOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST. THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE RISING TO NEAR 22.1 FEET BY
EARLY SAT AFTERNOON.

$$

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE PASSAIC RIVER AT LITTLE FALLS.
* AT 5:30 AM THUR THE STAGE WAS 8.0 FEET.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 7.0 FEET.
* MODERATE FLOODING IS OCCURRING & MAJOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE RISING TO NEAR 10.8 FEET BY
EARLY SUN MORNING. ADDITIONAL RISES MAY BE POSSIBLE THEREAFTER.
* IMPACT.AT 10.0 FEET.WAGARAW ROAD IN HAWTHORNE IS CLOSED. HOMES
& BUSINESSES DIRECTLY ALONG THE RIVER BEGIN TO FLOOD.

$$

FLD OBSERVED FORECAST
LOCATION STG STG DAY TIME CREST

PASSAIC RIVER
PINE BROOK 19.0 19.69 THU 5 AM 22.1 SAT 1 PM
LITTLE FALLS 7.0 8.02 THU 5 AM 10.8 SUN 1 AM

THE FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR THE FOLLOWING RIVERS IN NEW
JERSEY.
PASSAIC RIVER AT MILLINGTON AFFECTING MORRIS & SOMERSET COUNTIES

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING RIVERS IN NJ.
PASSAIC RIVER AT CHATHAM AFFECTING MORRIS & SOMERSET COUNTIES
PEQUANNOCK RIVER BELOW MACOPIN DAM AFFECTING MORRIS & PASSAIC
COUNTIES
POMPTON RIVER AT POMPTON PLAINS AFFECTING MORRIS & PASSAIC COUNTIES
RAMAPO RIVER AT POMPTON LAKES AFFECTING BERGEN.MORRIS & PASSAIC
COUNTIES
PASSAIC RIVER AT PINE BROOK AFFECTING ESSEX.MORRIS & PASSAIC
COUNTIES
PASSAIC RIVER AT LITTLE FALLS AFFECTING ESSEX & PASSAIC COUNTIES
ROCKAWAY RIVER AT BOONTON ABOVE THE RESERVOIR AFFECTING MORRIS COUNTY
ROCKAWAY RIVER AT BOONTON BELOW THE RESERVOIR AFFECTING MORRIS COUNTY
WANAQUE RIVER AT WANAQUE DAM AFFECTING PASSAIC COUNTY

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS.

SAFETY MESSAGE.DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS. THE
WATER MAY BE DEEPER THAN YOU THINK.

&&

THE FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR THE PASSAIC RIVER AT MILLINGTON.
* AT  8:30 PM FRI THE STAGE WAS 7.9 FEET.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 8.0 FEET.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER CRESTED BELOW FLOOD STAGE AT 7.9 FEET.  THE RIVER
WILL FALL TO 7.4 FEET BY .


$$

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE PASSAIC RIVER AT CHATHAM.
* AT  8:45 PM FRI THE STAGE WAS 6.2 FEET.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 6.0 FEET.
* MINOR FLOODING IS OCCURRING & MINOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE RISING TO NEAR 6.2 FEET BY AFTER
MIDNIGHT TOMORROW. THE RIVER WILL FALL BELOW FLOOD STAGE SUN EARLY
AFTERNOON.

$$

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE PASSAIC RIVER AT PINE BROOK.
* AT  8:30 PM FRI THE STAGE WAS 21.0 FEET.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 19.0 FEET.
* MODERATE FLOODING IS OCCURRING & MAJOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE RISING TO NEAR 21.9 FEET BY
TOMORROW EVENING THEN BEGIN FALLING.

$$

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE PASSAIC RIVER AT LITTLE FALLS.
* AT  8:30 PM FRI THE STAGE WAS 10.0 FEET.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 7.0 FEET.
* MAJOR FLOODING IS OCCURRING & MAJOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE RISING TO NEAR 12.1 FEET BY EARLY
SUN MORNING THEN BEGIN FALLING.
* IMPACT.AT 12.0 FEET.WAGARAW ROAD IN HAWTHORNE, BETWEEN LAFAYETTE
AVENUE & LINCOLN AVENUE, IS CLOSED. PASSAIC AVENUE, SCHOON AVENUE
& VICENT STREET ARE ALSO CLOSED. HOMES & BUSINESSES FLOOD.

$$

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE POMPTON RIVER AT POMPTON PLAINS.
* AT  8:30 PM FRI THE STAGE WAS 22.1 FEET.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 16.0 FEET.
* MAJOR FLOODING IS OCCURRING & MAJOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE TO FALL TO BELOW FLOOD STAGE BY
SUN AFTERNOON.
* IMPACT.AT 21.0 FEET.FLOODING IN A LARGE AREA FROM JACKSON AVENUE ON
THE NO. & RIVERSIDE DRIVE ON THE SO. BETWEEN THE RAILROAD TRACKS
& THE RIVER.

$$

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE RAMAPO RIVER AT POMPTON LAKES.
* AT  8:15 PM FRI THE STAGE WAS 15.8 FEET.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 11.5 FEET.
* MAJOR FLOODING IS OCCURRING & MAJOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE TO FALL TO BELOW FLOOD STAGE BY
SUN MORNING.

$$

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE WANAQUE RIVER AT WANAQUE DAM.
* AT  8:00 PM FRI THE STAGE WAS 7.8 FEET.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 5.0 FEET.
* MODERATE FLOODING IS OCCURRING & MAJOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE RISING TO NEAR 8.1 FEET BY AFTER
MIDNIGHT TOMORROW.  ADDITIONAL RISES MAY BE POSSIBLE THEREAFTER.


$$

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE PEQUANNOCK RIVER BELOW MACOPIN DAM.
* AT  8:45 PM FRI THE STAGE WAS 5.9 FEET.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 5.5 FEET.
* MINOR FLOODING IS OCCURRING & MODERATE FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE RISING TO NEAR 6.6 FEET BY AFTER
MIDNIGHT TOMORROW. THE RIVER WILL FALL BELOW FLOOD STAGE SUNDAY
AFTERNOON.

$$

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE ROCKAWAY RIVER AT BOONTON ABOVE THE
RESERVOIR.
* AT  8:15 PM FRI THE STAGE WAS 6.8 FEET.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 5.0 FEET.
* MODERATE FLOODING IS OCCURRING & MODERATE FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE TO FALL TO BELOW FLOOD STAGE BY
SUN MORNING.

$$

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE ROCKAWAY RIVER AT BOONTON BELOW THE
RESERVOIR.
* AT  8:00 PM FRI THE STAGE WAS 7.9 FEET.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 5.0 FEET.
* MODERATE FLOODING IS OCCURRING & MODERATE FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE TO FALL TO A STAGE OF 6.1 FEET BY
SUN MORNING.

$$
                   FLD      OBSERVED          FORECAST
LOCATION          STG    STG  DAY TIME       CREST

PASSAIC RIVER
MILLINGTON       8.0    7.88  FRI 8 PM     crested 7.9  SAT 1 AM
CHATHAM          6.0    6.19  FRI 9 PM      6.2  SAT 1 AM
PINE BROOK       19.0   20.99  FRI 8 PM    21.9  SAT 1 PM
LITTLE FALLS     7.0    9.97  FRI 8 PM     12.1  SUN 1 AM

ROCKAWAY RIVER
BOONTON ABOVE T  5.0    6.78  FRI 8 PM     6.5  SAT 1 AM
BOONTON BELOW T  5.0    7.95  FRI 8 PM     7.8  SAT 1 AM

PEQUANNOCK RIVER
MACOPIN DAM      5.5    5.91  FRI 9 PM     6.6  SAT 1 AM

POMPTON RIVER
POMPTON PLAINS   16.0   22.09  FRI 8 PM    21.9  SAT 1 AM

WANAQUE RIVER
WANAQUE DAM      5.0    7.76  FRI 8 PM     8.1  SAT 1 AM

RAMAPO RIVER
POMPTON LAKES    11.5   15.81  FRI 8 PM    15.0  SAT 1 AM

&&

THE FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR THE FOLLOWING RIVERS IN NEW
JERSEY.

PASSAIC RIVER AT CHATHAM AFFECTING MORRIS & SOMERSET COUNTIES
ROCKAWAY RIVER AT BOONTON ABOVE THE RESERVOIR AFFECTING MORRIS COUNTY
THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING RIVERS IN NJ.

ROCKAWAY RIVER AT BOONTON BELOW THE RESERVOIR AFFECTING MORRIS COUNTY
WANAQUE RIVER AT WANAQUE DAM AFFECTING PASSAIC COUNTY
THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING RIVERS IN NJ..
PASSAIC RIVER AT PINE BROOK AFFECTING ESSEX.MORRIS & PASSAIC
COUNTIES
PASSAIC RIVER AT LITTLE FALLS AFFECTING ESSEX & PASSAIC COUNTIES

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS.

SAFETY MESSAGE.DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS. THE
WATER MAY BE DEEPER THAN YOU THINK.

&&

NJC027-035-132223-

THE FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR
THE PASSAIC RIVER AT CHATHAM.
* AT  5:45 PM SUN THE STAGE WAS 5.99 FEET.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 6.0 FEET.
* FELL BELOW FLOOD STAGE AT  5:30 PM SUNDAY.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE TO FALL TO 5.8 FEET BY MONDAY
MORNING.

$$

NJC013-027-031-140753-

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR
THE PASSAIC RIVER AT PINE BROOK.
* AT  5:00 PM SUN THE STAGE WAS 21.8 FEET & FALLING.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 19.0 FEET.
* MAJOR FLOODING IS OCCURRING & MAJOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE TO FALL TO A STAGE OF 21.3 FEET BY
MON MORNING.

$$

NJC013-031-140753-

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR
THE PASSAIC RIVER AT LITTLE FALLS.
* AT  5:30 PM SUN THE STAGE WAS 11.3 FEET & FALLING.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 7.0 FEET.
* MAJOR FLOODING IS OCCURRING & MAJOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE TO FALL TO A STAGE OF 10.5 FEET BY
MON MORNING.
* IMPACT.AT 12.0 FEET.WAGARAW ROAD IN HAWTHORNE, BETWEEN LAFAYETTE
AVENUE & LINCOLN AVENUE, IS CLOSED. PASSAIC AVENUE, SCHOON AVENUE
& VINCENT STREET ARE ALSO CLOSED. HOMES & BUSINESSES FLOOD.

$$

NJC027-132223-

THE FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR
THE ROCKAWAY RIVER AT BOONTON ABOVE THE RESERVOIR.
* AT  5:15 PM SUN THE STAGE WAS 4.9 FEET & FALLING.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 5.0 FEET.
* FELL BELOW FLOOD STAGE AT  5:00 PM SUNDAY.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE TO FALL TO 4.6 FEET BY MONDAY
MORNING.

$$

NJC027-140753-

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE ROCKAWAY RIVER AT BOONTON BELOW THE
RESERVOIR.
* AT  5:00 PM SUN THE STAGE WAS 5.8 FEET & FALLING.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 5.0 FEET.
* MINOR FLOODING IS OCCURRING & MINOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE TO FALL TO BELOW FLOOD STAGE BY
EARLY MON AFTERNOON.

$$

NJC031-140753-

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE WANAQUE RIVER AT WANAQUE DAM.
* AT  5:00 PM SUN THE STAGE WAS 5.7 FEET & FALLING.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 5.0 FEET.
* MINOR FLOODING IS OCCURRING & MINOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST.THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE TO FALL TO BELOW FLOOD STAGE BY
EARLY MON AFTERNOON.

$$
                   FLD      OBSERVED          FORECAST
LOCATION          STG    STG  DAY TIME       CREST

PASSAIC RIVER
CHATHAM          6.0    5.99   SUN 6 PM      CRESTED
PINE BROOK       19.0   21.83  SUN 5 PM      CRESTED
LITTLE FALLS     7.0    11.34  SUN 5 PM      CRESTED

ROCKAWAY RIVER
BOONTON ABOVE T  5.0    4.93  SUN 5 PM      CRESTED
BOONTON BELOW T  5.0    5.77  SUN 5 PM      CRESTED

WANAQUE RIVER
WANAQUE DAM      5.0    5.72  SUN 5 PM      CRESTED

&&

Our Alert Status is still Standing By

The Red Cross needs radio operators to support on going Disaster Assessment operations. It will in all likelihood continue into next week.

While there is no communications emergency and nothing heroic for us to do at the present; there is a possibility for some good experience. It presents the chance to work with another agency we need to interface with during times like these.  There are moments that boredom could be a problem when responding to operations at a lower tension level. The upside is that there are many moments where more attention can be afforded to newer operators.

However unlikely, even if we did know all there is about emergency operations, we could always stand to  gain a better understanding of the agencies that we may serve when full blown disaster strikes.

If you are available this week or into next weekend, please contact KC2RFC for possible deployment.

201 259-8446 CrifasiRF@...

Bob KC2RFC

Essex County Communications Members:

Hello All EC Ecomm's

  I found this alert in my mail thought it would be good for us here,,
  _________________________________________________________________


   Please begin your initial Situational Awareness on Hurricane IRENE. NWS
forecasts are indicating that there is a potential for a direct impact from this
system on the NNJ Section perhaps as early as late Sunday (8/28) or Monday
(8/29)

The official National Hurricane Center Tracking Forecast is available here:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/graphics/al09/loop_5W.shtml

If the official forecasts continue to indicate IRENE will impact the NNJ
Section, we will begin in the next 24 to 48 hours to increase the NNJ Alert
Status Levels as noted here: http://www.hudson.arrl.org/nnj/ares/

NNJ ARES Leadership has been monitoring this event since Sunday and is being
kept directly informed by updates from the local NWS Forecast offices along with
their other OEM and EmComm partners. We have also notified ARRL HQ and
Leadership of our now state of Situational Awareness as per our SOB

Thank you in advance for your attention to this developing situation.

George Sabbi
KC2GLG
ARRL NNJ Section Emergency Coordinator
Email: KC2GLG@...
Website: www.hudson.arrl.org/nnj/ares

All Radio Operators,

Over the next two days:

1)      Check all alternate power sources and make sure they are fully charged.

2)      Insure all battery operated light sources are functioning.

3)      Test your radios. Put in those frequencies and repeater parameters you have intended to.

4)      Be sure your HT's are fully charged.

5)      Consider taking down antennas with higher wind resistance, rather than losing them in high winds.

6)      Test your sump pump if you have one.

7)      Secure outdoor furniture.

8)      Put aside some dry goods.

9)      As the storm approaches watch this site and your email for activations and status announcements.

10)   Watch the TV and internet weather reports.

11)   Touch base with your local EC.

12)   When the storm begins (if you haven't already) turn on your radio and monitor WA2JSB 146.415 for alerts or nets.

These are some ideas that you may have already thought of. You probably have more ideas of your own. Please point them out on this forum. It's not just for "official" announcements. It is also here for your discussions. Don't be shy.

Bob Crifasi KC2RFC CEC

Governor Christy has declared a state of emergency.
Fyi

Sent from my Samsung Captivate(tm) on AT&T

Bob <CrifasiRF@...> wrote:

>
>All Radio Operators,
>
>Over the next two days:
>
>1)      Check all alternate power sources and make sure they are fully
>charged.
>
>2)      Insure all battery operated light sources are functioning.
>
>3)      Test your radios. Put in those frequencies and repeater
>parameters you have intended to.
>
>4)      Be sure your HT's are fully charged.
>
>5)      Consider taking down antennas with higher wind resistance,
>rather than losing them in high winds.
>
>6)      Test your sump pump if you have one.
>
>7)      Secure outdoor furniture.
>
>8)      Put aside some dry goods.
>
>9)      As the storm approaches watch this site and your email for
>activations and status announcements.
>
>10)   Watch the TV and internet weather reports.
>
>11)   Touch base with your local EC.
>
>12)   When the storm begins (if you haven't already) turn on your
>radio and monitor WA2JSB 146.415 for alerts or nets.
>
>These are some ideas that you may have already thought of. You probably
>have more ideas of your own. Please point them out on this forum.
>It's not just for "official" announcements. It is also here
>for your discussions. Don't be shy.
>
>Bob Crifasi KC2RFC CEC
>

Hey guys - I got the below email from a Newark official via the WEARC
website.  I forwarded this directly to Bob Crifasi and Ray Linke, but
posting it here as well in case they are out of the area.

MESSAGE FROM CITY OF NEWARK NJ PRESS SECRETARY

Hi Everyone,
I'm trying to get in touch with the Amateur Ham Radio society that covers
Newark, NJ area and wanted to get them engaged in our Hurricane Preparedness
Plan. Do you have a contact you can send me?
Thank you,
Esmeralda Diaz Cameron
Press Secretary
City of Newark, NJ
Cell#201-396-2556


Regards,

Mike, NI2S

Essex County EmComm,

                Our Alert Status is now raised to Monitoring.

I know many of you have prepared for this situation over the last few days. Please stay safe and keep your family together. The next 24 hours may prove to be an unwelcome experience. With the right attitude and preparation we will weather this well. I will be manning one of two shelters West Orange has set up today. I will be reachable by radio, cell phone, text or email conditions permitting. Please feel free to contact me if you need to. Essex County is setting up a shelter at the arena. Please join us on WA2JSB repeater tonight when the net begins.  EC's and EC EmComm officers start the net prior to any official announcement if needed.

Stay safe, stay calm and stay in touch.

 Bob Crifasi KC2RFC

Essex County Emergency Coordinator

THE NATL WEATHER SVC IN UPTON NY HAS ISSUED A

* FLOOD WARNING FOR URBAN AREAS & SMALL STREAMS IN.
  HUDSON COUNTY IN NE NJ.
  BERGEN COUNTY IN NE NJ.
  ESSEX COUNTY IN NE NJ.
  UNION COUNTY IN NE NJ.
  PASSAIC COUNTY IN NE NJ.

* UNTIL 245 PM EDT SUNDAY

* AT 848 PM EDT.BANDS OF HEAVY RAIN CONTINUE TO CIRCULATE
ACROSS NE NJ. SO FAR UP TO ONE INCH OF RAINFALL HAS
FALLEN ACROSS THE WARNING AREA.& UP TO 8 INCHES OF RAINFALL IS
EXPECTED THROUGH SUN AFTERNOON.

EXCESSIVE RUNOFF FROM HEAVY RAINFALL WILL CAUSE ELEVATED LEVELS ON
SMALL CREEKS & STREAMS & PONDING OF WATER IN URBAN
AREAS, HIGHWAYS, STREETS & UNDERPASSES AS WELL AS OTHER POOR
DRAINAGE AREAS & LOW LYING SPOTS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS.

DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE
ROADWAY. THE WATER DEPTH MAY BE TOO GREAT TO ALLOW YOUR CAR TO CROSS
SAFELY. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND. WHEN ENCOUNTERING FLOODED ROADS, MAKE
THE SMART CHOICE. TURN AROUND. DON'T DROWN.

A FLOOD WARNING MEANS FLOODING IS OCCURRING OR IS IMMINENT. MOST
FLOOD RELATED DEATHS OCCUR IN AUTOMOBILES. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS
WATER COVERED BRIDGES, DIPS, OR LOW WATER CROSSINGS. NEVER TRY TO
CROSS A FLOWING STREAM, EVEN A SMALL ONE  ON FOOT. TO ESCAPE RISING
WATER MOVE UP TO HIGHER GROUND.

TO REPORT FLOODING, HAVE THE NEAREST LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY RELAY
YOUR REPORT TO THE NATL WEATHER SVC FORECAST OFFICE.

&&

Please be be advised i have no internet.  I can get text.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

In anticipation to today's release of the movie Contagion, please note the communication below from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This information includes talking points on the importance of public health in preparing for potential health emergencies. It also provides a website created by the CDC Foundation to help separate fact from fiction and to highlight the CDC's role in preparedness and response.

__________________________________________________________

Dear Colleague,

On September 9, Warner Brothers will be releasing the movie Contagion, a fictional drama that portrays CDC and other U.S. and international partners responding to an emerging infectious disease outbreak. We are reaching out to you in an effort to take advantage of this opportunity to provide accurate and potentially life-saving information to the public about how to prepare for a public health emergency.

When asked to respond to the inevitable question about the plot of the movie, "Could this really happen?" CDC is compelled to say, "Not only could it happen, CDC scientists are working 24/7 to find out if it's happening right now." The following websites are being highlighted to enhance your awareness, particularly during September (National Preparedness Month).

* CDC Preparedness Information http://emergency.cdc.gov/
* Emergency Preparedness for Individuals http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/
* Flu Prevention Information http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm

In addition, I hope the following information about CDC's role in emergency preparedness and response is helpful.

* CDC works with state and local health departments across the United States, as well as international partners around the world, to recognize disease patterns and improve the public health community's ability to respond to health threats.
* CDC and its partners play key roles in homeland security by maintaining the ability to detect and respond to outbreaks, as well as natural and man-made disasters, at home and abroad.
* CDC is a key source of evidence for health action — monitoring health, informing clinical and policy decision-making, and providing individuals the information they need to take responsibility for their own health.
* CDC supports state and local public health partners with training and guidance to ensure nationwide lab capacity for detecting and responding to health threats, as well as the capacity to address key risk factors leading to premature death, injury, and disease.
* CDC recognizes that state and local public health departments are the first responders when disease threats occur, and it is their initial investigations that help CDC quickly assist them.

With a sense of urgency do we take this opportunity to educate others about how CDC and the public health community work to keep America safe and how they can join in by being prepared themselves. To learn more about Contagion and how CDC protects America 24/7, visit the following sites:

* Contagion Official Website http://contagionmovie.warnerbros.com/index.html - Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the movie stars Kate Winslet, Matt Damon, Jude Law, Marion Cotillard, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Lawrence Fishburne
* Contagion and CDC http://www.cdcfoundation.org/content/how-cdc-saves-lives-controlling-real-global-disease-outbreaks - A website created by the CDC Foundation to help separate fact from fiction and to highlight CDC's role in preparedness and response
* CDC 24/7 http://www.cdc.gov/24-7/ - A CDC website that includes information you may find useful on how public health protects Americans from outbreaks

Thank you for your help in spreading the word about the critically important role emergency preparedness plays in protecting the health of people in this country and around the world.

Sincerely,
Judith A. Monroe, MD, FAAFP
Deputy Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Director, Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support

Essex county EmComm:

            In coordination with NNJ ARES we are now at a MONITORNG alert status.

 If any Unit or Municipal ARES ECs find it necessary to raise the status further please advise me or any of the other county officers.

Be advised that starting at 12:00 Noon on Friday, 10/28/2011, the ARRL NNJ ARES Alert Status will be raised to MONITORING in conjunction with the forecasted Winter Storm situation

MONITORING: A Heightened State Of Awareness Is Requested Of All NNJ ARES Members By Leadership And Communications To/From Leadership With Local ARES Members Is Initiated

Bob Crifasi KC2RFC

Essex EmComm Radio operators,

                This is not specifically amateur radio, however please be aware of the test described below. There are many people that are not emergency comms savvy. Please help set them straight if you see that they are confused, or worse worried, by the test. Also monitor any or all of the methods mentioned and email me with your impressions of the test.

On November 9, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct the first ever simultaneous test of the nation's Emergency Alert System (EAS) at 2 p.m. The test will last for 30 seconds, during which time an alert tone will precede a message announcing the test on broadcast media outlets, including radio, TV and, National Weather Service alert radios. The EAS is a national warning system to rapidly and widely broadcast emergency information. It is often used during times of severe weather and other emergencies, but has never been activated nationwide.

If any of you have anything to report regarding the last snow storm, IE power out in your area, damage, shelters operated etc, please email me with it. HQ is requesting that we report back with any information, numbers, etc. no matter how minor they may seem. Any info is good info. Thank you all in advance. I hope you all came through it in good shape. Some of you may still be without power, I have been assured that will not continue for long.

Bob KC2RFC