Governor Murphy Declares State of Emergency In Response To Expected Winter Storm
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today declared that New Jersey will enter a state of emergency beginning Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in response to the expected winter storm.
Snow accumulation for the storm began as of Sunday afternoon, with the heaviest snow expected to fall during the day on Monday, and hazardous conditions may continue through Tuesday morning. Executive Order No. 218 declares a state of emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey, allowing resources to be deployed throughout the state during the duration of the storm.
State offices will be closed on Monday, February 1st, 2021. This does not include weather-essential employees. Private companies and businesses should dismiss their employees at their own discretion. All six vaccine mega-sites will be closed on Monday, February 1st due to the storm.
All NJ TRANSIT buses, rail (except Atlantic City Rail Line), light rail and Access Link service will be temporarily suspended systemwide for the entire service day on Monday, February 1st due to the significant expected impacts of the snow storm.
“Heavy snow, coastal flooding, and high winds are expected in many parts of the state,”said Governor Murphy.“The safety of residents and workers is our utmost priority. Please follow all weather-related guidance and stay off the roads in order to allow access for emergency personnel.”
For those living in Central and Southern New Jersey, visit the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly at http://www.weather.gov/phi/
For those living in Northern New Jersey and the New York Metro area, visit the U.S. National Weather Service New York, N.Y. at http://www.weather.gov/okx/
Important Tips to Remember When Preparing for Winter Weather:
- Secure loose items in your yard such as trash cans, children’s toys, and lawn decorations.
- Build an emergency kit that includes supplies for the whole family, including pets. Due to COVID-19 there are a few updates to preparing for this winter season such as including hand soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant supplies and cloth face coverings in your emergency kits/go-bags.
- Have cash on hand. If the power is out, so are the ATMs and credit card machines.
- Know how to report a power outage to your utility company.
- Know where your utility shut off valves (gas, electric, water) are and how to use them.
- NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.
- Be sure to keep an adequate amount of gas in your car.
- Be sure to check on friends and neighbors who have access or functional needs. Due to COVID-19, in person visits may not be ideal under certain circumstances. Please adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear a mask. Use other means of communication such as phone, text or video chat to check on neighbors and help prepare them.
- Be sure to have extra medications on hand and keep them in a water-resistant container.
- Get all of your vital records and insurance papers together now. Keep them in a water-resistant container. If you can, scan and email them to yourself so you have a copy of important numbers and policies, etc.
- Charge your cell phones and try not to use them if the power goes out.
