From left, Red Cross Volunteer Liaison Evelyn DiMartino, Dr. Jessica Grant, Ventnor Fire Official Tom Halpin,and Ventnor Emergency Management Coordinator Donna Peterson.
VENTNOR – With the heat index predicted to climb above 100 degrees this week, residents can expect a call from local emergency management officials about what to do to cool down. That is, if you are registered for CodeRed, the city’s emergency notification system.
That was just one of the tidbits of information presented to a handful of residents who attended an emergency management town hall meeting Tuesday, July 18 at the Ventnor Community Center.
Ventnor Emergency Management Coordinator Donna Peterson advised those present to sign up for CodeRed on the city’s website, www.ventnorcity.org, or call the Office of Emergency Management to get help signing up.
Peterson said she would be sending out a notification call this week addressing the extreme heat forecast for the eastern seaboard. In the meantime, she advised residents to refrain from being outdoors during the afternoon peak heat times, stay hydrated, keep pets indoors and check on elderly neighbors.
Fire Official Tom Halpin of the Ventnor City Fire Department shared information about creating a “Go Bag” packed with important documents, medical records, extra medications, freeze dried or canned food, clothing, and a gallon of water per day for every adult when an evacuation of Absecon Island is ordered. He also recommended turning off the main switches to gas and electric utilities during a power outage, to prevent a fire when the power returns.
There were too many people who ignored the evacuation order and stayed in their homes during Hurricane Sandy, Peterson said. Residents should know that if they stay behind despite an evacuation order and need assistance, the police and fire departments will not be able to respond once maximum sustained winds reach 30 miles per hour.
“We cannot go out to help anyone, it’s the law,” she said. “If we have to come and rescue you, you put our lives in danger. Make accommodations ahead of time with friends or relatives on the mainland. Believe me, you don’t want to have to go to a shelter where you have to sleep on a cot.”
There are really no evacuation centers on the island, although Ventnor has made arrangements for a “reunification shelter” at St. James Church’s Memorial Hall for those who cannot get back into their homes after a natural disaster. Reunification centers provide displaced residents with information about how to access resources that can help re-establish residency.
Once an evacuation is ordered and wind speeds reduce, police and fire department personnel will be out in force to check homes and look for injuries, she said.
“People really perk up when I tell them that if they stay behind during an evacuation, they should write their personal information on a piece of paper and put it in their shoe, just in case something happens, we can identify you,” she said.
Veterinarian Jessica Grant suggested those with pets should prepare in advance by creating a Go Bag for their pets that includes, dry and canned food, can opener, medications, immunization records, spare leash, one pet carrier per pet, litter and cleaning supplies.
Grant also noted that pet parents should be aware that snow and ice, as well as heated asphalt, can cause severe damage to tiny pet paws, including frostbite or blistering.
“And never leave a pet in a vehicle during summer, even with the window cracked,” she said. “Five minutes in a car with a cracked window can kill your pet.”
Evelyn DiMartino, a community volunteer liaison for the American Red Cross, shared information about volunteering for the non-governmental organization known for its blood drives, blood supply and response to natural disasters.
“Ninety-four percent of our workforce are volunteers,” she said.
The American Red Cross has 495 chapters across the country and 500,000 volunteers who work to alleviate human suffering after natural disasters.
“The Red Cross does not exist without volunteers,” she said. “Join to make a difference in your community.”
The Ventnor Democratic Club hosted the town hall meeting as a community service.
If you missed it, the Downbeach community will hold its annual Hurricane Preparedness meeting 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28 at St. James Church Memorial Hall, Newport and Atlantic avenues.
OEM officials from Ventnor, Margate, Longport, Atlantic County, South Jersey Gas, and Atlantic City Electric will be on hand to answer questions. The event also includes a weather outlook presentation by retired National Weather Service forecaster Jim Eberwine and meteorologist Joe Martucci.
Participants will learn about go kits and supplies, evacuations, Community Emergency Response Team, CodeRED notification system, pet safety, and more.
For more information, contact Donna Peterson at 609-823-7919. To volunteer for the Red Cross, call 609-646-8330.
