NEWS RELEASE
Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders
94 Market Street. Salem, N.J. 08079
CONTACT: Deborah Turner-Fox, Clerk of the Board/Administrator
Carl Wentzell, Director of Emergency Services
September 18, 2003
Salem County, New Jersey & American Red Cross Open Emergency Evacuation Center to Prepare for Hurricane Isabel’s Arrival
The Salem County Office of Emergency Services and the American Red Cross in cooperation with Salem Community College, have decided to open the Field House at Salem Community College located at 460 Hollywood Avenue in Carney’s Point, New Jersey beginning at 6:00 PM Thursday, September 18 in anticipation of potential emergency evacuations in Salem County.
"This is a precautionary measure being taken to insure that Salem County residents have a safe haven to go to during this storm emergency," stated Carl Wentzell, Director of Emergency Services for Salem County.
The Field House will have cots and blankets available for those who decide to weather the storm there. Residents should bring extra clothing, shoes, toiletries, cell phones and activities for their stay. Food services will begin tomorrow morning at the Field House.
Hurricane Isabel is expected to arrive in the area later this evening bringing with her strong winds and heavy rains. Flooding is anticipated in low lying areas along the Delaware River and other lakes and streams in the county despite efforts to lower lake levels in advance of the storm’s arrival.
Other emergency evacuation locations may be opened by the Red Cross in other areas of Salem County later this evening or tomorrow, if conditions necessitate. Stay tuned to your local media for updated information.
County officials will continue to staff the county’s emergency planning and 911 center in Mannington throughout the duration of the storm. Municipal Offices of Emergency Management and residents who need assistance with emergency evacuations should contact the center via the 911 system.
Salem County Freeholder Director & County Emergency Management Coordinator, Jack Kugler commented, "Salem County is ready for whatever Isabel brings our way. Our county departments have been working together all week to insure our readiness."
Salem County has also been coordinating closely with local Offices of Emergency Management and other key stakeholders in our county to be sure that all available resources are ready and available to respond to any emergency.