Early Guide to Preparing for Hurricane Irene

As reports of Hurricane Irene dominate local and national news coverage, the Town of Westfield is beginning to brace itself for the worst while still hoping for the best.

In a statement posted on the town's website, Mayor Andy Skibitsky said the town's Office of Emergency Management coordinator is working incessantly with county and state officials in order to track the storm's path. According to the most recent forecasts, the storm will begin to hit New Jersey late Saturday with heavy rains and strong winds carrying over into Sunday. The National Weather Service is projecting between 5 and 10 inches of rain and winds as strong as 60 mph.

"I want to assure residents that the Town has all its resources mobilized to address any storm-related issues that may arise," the mayor said in his statement. "Our Department of Public Works is currently inspecting as many of the over 2,700 storm water catch basins as possible to facilitate maximum flow capacity. I have been assured that PSE&G has all its personnel ready to respond should the storm result in any power outages.

"Residents are encouraged to prepare for the storm," Skibitsky said. "Common sense steps such as making sure your cell phones are fully charged and that you have a battery operated radio available can go a long way in assuring your own safety and comfort. Being prepared can also help reduce the stress you may feel."

The town also provided a list of emergency websites, including the New Jersey OEM and the local Red Cross. 

Union County is encouraging residents to sign up for its First Alert system and has also posted a website with suggestions of precautions to take prior to Saturday night. Among the tips are filling your car's gas tank, removing loose furniture or other items from backyards and familiarizing yourself with your town's hurricane response plan. 

Here is a list of basic numbers and websites to keep handy throughout the weekend.

• In any emergency, dial 911
• Westfield Police, non-emergency: 908-789-4000
• Westfield Fire Department, non-emergency: 908-789-4130
• PSE&G (to report a power outage): 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) 
• Township of Westfield website: http://www.westfieldnj.gov/
• Union County Hurricane Preparedness - http://ucnj.org/hurricane-prepardness/
• Department of Homeland Security - FEMA
• Westfield/Mountainside Red Cross - http://www.westfieldmtside-redcross.org/
• Additional Red Cross - Prepare Your Home and Family, Preparedness Fast Facts, Central New Jersey Red Cross Web Site

Please continue to check the Patch throughout the weekend for the latest news regarding Hurricane Irene, and please assist us in our coverage. Feel free to send in your photos, videos and stories via email (ryanb.patch@gmail.com), Facebook (facebook.com/WestfieldPatch) and Twitter (@WestfieldPatch).