When weather reports predict hurricanes, most people think of Florida or the Gulf Coast. However, we know first-hand the devastation of storms such as Hurricane Irene and Super Storm Sandy. Emergency organizations here in Secaucus do not sit back and wait to see what will happen. We are proactive. We prepare and formulate a plan for any storm by taking aggressive action to protect Secaucus residents and property.
Being an island, Secaucus naturally has a high water table. We have and will continue to tackle areas prone to flooding by building dykes, reinforcing retaining walls and berms, and installing drains and pumps. The police and fire departments, along with the Office of Emergency Management and Emergency Medical Services, the Department of Public Works and town engineers, work closely with our emergency preparedness committee to identify and rectify situations before disasters strike. The equipment we use to combat heavy rains, ice, and other severe weather is maintained year round and ready to go in anticipation of inclement weather.
Every family should have an emergency plan in place for severe weather. This plan should include a common meeting place, food supplies, water, fresh batteries, flashlights, and an evacuation plan if necessary. Information will become available through the municipality for temporary emergency shelters, assistance for homebound residents, and those with special medical needs.
Global warming is a big factor in severe, unpredictable weather including powerful hurricanes. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) documented 2014 as one of the warmest years in history. Places including the Arctic and Antarctic indicate variable signs of temperature changes. The global climate system shows changes to greenhouse gases; temperatures throughout the atmosphere, ocean, and land; cloud cover; sea ice; and snow cover. We’ve all noticed a shift in temperatures every year right here in our own backyards.
There are many steps we as a community can do locally to help control global climate change. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – the three “R’s” help reduce waste. The municipality already has taken initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint, including the installation of solar panels in various buildings including the parking lot of town hall. We have a fleet of electric cars to cut back on emissions and we prohibit idling of a vehicle for no more than three consecutive minutes.
Other ways you can reduce greenhouse gases that affect global warming is to save energy by turning electronic devices and appliances off when not in use, switch to energy efficient LED lighting, and avoid products with an excess of packaging materials.
While the debate continues whether global warming is causing more hurricanes, it has been documented that the intensity of these storms and the likelihood that they will touch land is increasing. A Category 1 hurricane generates wind speeds up to 95 mph and can do severe damage to homes, trees and utility lines. A category 5 hurricane causes catastrophic damage to life and property with wind gusts over 150 mph.
We may not be able to control the severity of hurricanes and other super storms, but we can control the steps we take to protect our community. Take the time to learn more about hurricane preparedness and the connection with global warming. Together we can start to make changes right here in our home town.