An Assembly Resolution urging New Jersey residents to prepare for the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season by accessing the information provided by the National Hurricane Center during National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

Whereas, The 2015 Atlantic hurricane season will begin on June 1, 2015 and will last until the end of November, during which five to six hurricanes can be expected to form in the Atlantic Ocean; and

Whereas, Every year, New Jersey residents experience hurricanes of different magnitudes, which can devastate the State and cause millions of people to lose power, damage and destroy thousands of homes, and result in the unfortunate loss of life for residents of the State; and

Whereas, All New Jersey residents, regardless of location, are susceptible to the devastating and unpredictable consequences of hurricanes, necessitating a proactive effort by residents of the State to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season; and

Whereas, The National Hurricane Center leads a national effort, known as National Hurricane Preparedness Week, which informs the public about hurricane hazards and provides knowledge on how to prepare and take action; and

Whereas, National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2015 occurs from May 24 through May 30 and addresses a specific hurricane related topic each day, including information on storm surges, the forecast process, and creating a hurricane plan; and

Whereas, Before a hurricane, New Jersey residents should assemble an emergency kit, make a family communications plan, listen to the radio or local news for the latest updates, and determine whether their property is flood-prone; and

Whereas, New Jersey residents who are unable to evacuate should secure their homes, including closing storm shutters, securing and bracing external doors, securing outdoor objects, and ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes by filling their bathtubs and other large containers; and

Whereas, During a hurricane, New Jersey residents should stay indoors, keep curtains and blinds closed, avoid using devices that need an electrical charge, except for serious emergencies, and take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level; and

Whereas, After a hurricane, New Jersey residents should inspect their homes for damage, take pictures of damage for insurance purposes, avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until they are sure it is not contaminated, and should only drive if necessary to avoid flooded roads and downed electrical wires; and

Whereas, It is essential for New Jersey residents to act in accordance with the information provided during National Hurricane Preparedness Week so that they can best prepare for the upcoming hurricane season and protect their lives and property; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. This House urges New Jersey residents to prepare for the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season by accessing the information provided by the National Hurricane Center during National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Governor of New Jersey, the Attorney General of New Jersey, and each Office of Emergency Management County Coordinator in New Jersey.

STATEMENT

This resolution urges New Jersey residents to prepare for the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season by accessing the information provided by the National Hurricane Center during National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

The 2015 Atlantic hurricane season will begin on June 1, 2015 and will last until the end of November, during which five to six hurricanes can be expected to form in the Atlantic Ocean. Every year, New Jersey residents experience hurricanes of different magnitudes, some of which can devastate the State and cause millions of people to lose power, damage and destroy thousands of homes, and result in the unfortunate loss of life. All New Jersey residents, regardless of location, are susceptible to the devastating and unpredictable consequences of hurricanes, necessitating a proactive effort by residents of the State to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

The National Hurricane Center leads a national effort, known as National Hurricane Preparedness Week, which informs the public about hurricane hazards and provides knowledge on how to prepare and take action. National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2015 occurs from May 24 through May 30 and addresses a specific hurricane related topic each day, including information on storm surges, the forecast process, and creating a hurricane plan. It is essential for New Jersey residents to act in accordance with the information provided during National Hurricane Preparedness Week so that they can best prepare for the upcoming hurricane season and protect their lives and property.