Hurricane Irene: Update on Local Emergency Planning

Warren Emergency Management Coordinator Jane Asch said the Stonecrest Community Church will be opened as an emergency shelter for Warren residents at 6 p.m. Saturday.

"We've been receiving phone calls from nervous residents so we are opening Stonecrest for people who live alone, the elderly, and those who don't want to be alone," Asch said.

Because of the large number of sites being opened for shelters, the Red Cross was unable to provide cots for Warren's shelter, so residents should bring blankets and pillows. 

Food will be available at the shelter.

Other important notes issued by the Office of Emergency Management:

• Call 911 only for life threatening emergencies.
  For non life threatening emergencies call Warren Police Department at 908-753-1000
• If you loose electricity call your utility company:                          PSE&G - 1-800-436-PSEG;  

        JCP&L -1-888-544-4877

• Do call Warren Police at 908-753-1000 if you see a downed live electrical wire or  transformer.
• Warren Twp. OEM is encouraging people to stay at home and shelter in place for the storm's duration.
• The Red Cross shelter for Somerset County is located at Raritan Valley Community College located at 118 Lamington Rd in Branchburg for residents who can not stay in their homes due to potential flooding.
• Avoid driving at all during the storm, and do not ever drive a vehicle through flooded road ways.
• The Warren Township Fire Department will  pump flooded basements, but only if the level is eight inches or more of water. If the water level is less than eight inches, they will leave without pumping.

Check back for additional updates and information as the storm develops.