Evacuations

CER

Manasquan, in conjunction with the state and county, has developed an emergency evacuation system that includes plans for coastal flooding and hurricanes.  Manasquan's tiered evacuation plan was recognized in 2015 by the National Hydrologic Warning Council.

If an evacuation order is issued:

In the event an evacuation is issued, Manasquan will activate its public warning systems.  Additionally, route alerting by police and volunteer emergency responders will be utilized when time and resources permits.

  • Check to see if you are in a Evacuation Zone that is reccomened or ordered.
  • Know the difference between a mandatory and voluntary evacuation
    • If officials order a voluntary evacuation of a zone, it is recommended that residents evacuate, especially those in non-elevated structures as well as the elderly and special needs persons.
    • Mandatory evacuations are designed to keep residents safe, and by law residents must leave their homes and the area at risk. Mandatory evacuations include those who have elevated their homes, as unsafe conditions are possible and emergency responders will likely not be able to respond to your call for help should you need it.
  • Follow these guidelines from FEMA on how to evacuate yourself and your family.
  • Plan ahead, know the evacuation routes in your area and have a plan in place that all members of the household are aware of. Have a disaster supply kit.
  • Keep family members, neighbors, and other local friends informed of your evacuation plans. Alert them when you chose to evacuate to your planned destination. Designate a contact outside of the affected area to know your plan and whereabouts should communication fail within the area of risk.
  • When the possibility of evacuation nears make sure to keep a full tank of gas in your car and throughout your trip away try keep it at half full to avoid breakdowns on congested roads.
  • Check other fluid levels in the car, the air pressure in tires, and ensure that the vehicle chosen for evacuation can handle a long trip.
  • Before evacuating, secure your property. Unplug electrical equipment such as radios and televisions, and small appliances such as toasters and microwaves. Shut off the electrical main at the panel in your home.
  • Evacuate when told to do so by Emergency Management Officials. The Manasquan High School located at the intersection of Broad Street and Atlantic Avenue is Manasquan’s designated reception center for evacuees.
  • Please be advised that many shelters do not accept pets, and you should have a plan in place for proper care of your animals. Visit Ready.gov for assistance with developing a plan for your pets.

During the Flood:

  • If you live in low-lying areas, be aware of possible flooding, especially during heavy rains or periods spring tides.
  • Move vehicle to higher ground before flooding begins. Street flooding may occur several hours before and after the times of high tide.
  • Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road or around police barricades. Conditions permitting, utilize First Avenue and the Ocean Avenue Bridge for access off of beach areas.  Be especially cautious when driving at night or in times of limited visibility.  Visit the National Weather Service’s Turn Around… Don’t Drown website for more information on the hazards of driving through floodwaters.
  • Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is another major source of deaths in floods. Electric current passes easily through water.
  • Keep children away from flood waters, ditches, culverts and storm drains.
  • Always follow instructions from police and emergency personnel

After a Flood:

  • Return home only when Emergency Managers indicates it is safe to do so
  • Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
  • Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
  • Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
  • Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
  • If your home, apartment or business has suffered damage, call the insurance company or agent who handles your flood insurance policy right away to file a claim.
  • Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
  • Upon entering the building, do not use matches, cigarette lighters or any other open flames, since gas may be trapped inside. Instead, use a flashlight to light your way.
  • Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
  • Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals. Throw out foods and medicines that may have come into contact with flood water.
  • Until local authorities proclaim your water supply to be safe, boil water for drinking and food preparation vigorously for five minutes before using.
  • Be careful walking around. After a flood, steps and floors are often slippery with mud and covered with debris, including nails and broken glass.
  • Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
  • Take steps to reduce your risk of future floods. Make sure to follow local building codes and ordinances when rebuilding, and use flood-resistant materials and techniques to protect yourself and your property from future flood damage.
  • If you must run a generator at your home following a flood, remember to keep the generator outside (not in a garage) to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.