NORTH BERGEN BRIEFS

FEMA offers tips for Hurricane Irene

Hudson County residents must prepare for potential flooding and power outages with the expected onset of Hurricane Irene this weekend.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests that residents prepare a basic emergency supply kit. The kit should include one gallon of water per person each day for at least three days, a three-day supply of non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, and a dust mask to filter contaminated air.
Other storm safety tips include: Covering your home windows with plywood, bringing in outdoor furniture, trimming trees and shrubs, turning off propane tanks, installing a generator, reinforcing garage doors, and filling large containers with water for supply purposes.
For more information, visit http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html#link2.

National Alliance on Mental Illness to offer educational programs

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is presenting a 12-week family-to-family education program to those who have family members that have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, borderline personality disorder, co-occurring brain and addictive disorder.
Course topics will include clinical treatment of the disorders and helpful coping mechanisms for the families.
Classes will be held every Wednesday in Union City for a 12-week period beginning Sept. 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information and a class schedule, call Martha at 201-861-0614 or Mary at 201-766-2369. Registration is required. All materials are supplied.
Also, NAMI meets monthly in Hudson County and holds meetings in both Spanish and English. To find out more, contact Martha or Mary at the numbers above.

Hudson County CASA recruiting volunteers

The Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocate Association, or CASA, is currently recruiting volunteers to help advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children.
Volunteers will be trained to represent children in court as well as safeguard the interests of foster care children. Hudson County’s foster care system currently has nearly 700 children.
An information session will be held Tuesday, Sept. 13 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in room 400 of the Hudson County Administration Building at 595 Newark Ave. in Jersey City.
For more information, call 291-795-985, e-mail mgarcia@hudsoncountycasa.org, or visit www.hudsoncountycasa.org.

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