Emergencies
There are no emergencies to report at this time.
The "Reverse 9-1-1" system, designed by Swiftreach Networks out of Ramsey New Jersey, works by storing residents' phone numbers in a confidential database. In the event of an emergency requiring notification, the Allendale Police Department would be able to send a telephone message to apprise you of the condition and of any neccessary warnings or evacuations. Please make sure the Police have up-to-date telephone, pager or cell phone information.
The system can notify residents by street, neighborhood, geographic area or the entire Borough and will get emergency information to the residents within minutes. The system also determines whether the resident received the message or if an answering machine took the call. This information will help our Police in taking follow up actions.
The system will be used to send messages for weather emergencies, crime alerts, industrial accidents, chemical spills, water shortages/restrictions, water main breaks, etc. The High School and/or Board of Education have their own data bases and can also notify the residents of school closings and/or delayed openings.
Some useful numbers to have posted somewhere in the house (refrigerator, bulletin board, etc...) in case of an emergency or disaster.
In case of a flood warning, it is important to abide by the following guidelines. If no evacuation has been ordered, make sure you get constant updates from TV and radio. Keep a battery-powered radio nearby in case the power goes out. Keep a disaster kit (flashlight, first aid kit, etc.) in an easily accessible place. Tell a friend or relative who lives away from the emergency area what is going on and what your plans are. Also, in case an evacuation is ordered, make sure you have a full tank of gas and extra cash.
If a flood is imminent, make sure to take the following precautions. If you are not at home, go to higher ground. If you are at home, clean the bathtub with bleach and fill it with water for sanitary use in case running water is not available. Put all valuables or records in a waterproof container and put it in the highest point in your house. Also, during a flood, always go to higher ground, and never drive through floodwater.
A heat warning is often issued during a heat wave. A heat wave is, by definition, three or more days above 90 degrees. Three common medical problems associated with heat waves and warnings are heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms from heavy exertion. To treat heat cramps, place the victim in a cool place and give him/her a half glass of water every 15 minutes. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are more serious and should be dealt with by a doctor. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are headache or nausea and dizziness. Symptoms of heat stroke are hot or cold red skin, and shallow breathing. If the victim is vomiting, do not give him/her food or drink. Call 911 immediately.
If you have one or more pets it is very important to have an appropriate 'Pet Disaster Kit' for each pet. The following items should be included in the pet disaster kit:
In case of an emergency or disaster, try not to leave your pet behind if you must evacuate. Make sure all of your pets' ID tags have been updated. Also, make sure that the local animal shelter will accept pets in times of emergencies. If your only option is leaving your pet behind, leave food for the pet and leave notes outside to let rescuers know where the pet is located. On the note, leave your location and a number where you can be reached, and the vet's number and where he/she can be reached.
If you need to call the Allendale Police for information during an emergency, use the 825-1900 number and leave 911 clear for other emergencies.
If you have to evacuate your home quickly, what route would you take to leave Allendale? The best route is the one nearest your home that will bring you to a highway. You and your family should also have a second route out of town. The five major evacuation routes are: Franklin Turnpike, East Allendale Avenue, West Crescent Avenue, Hillside Avenue and Brookside Avenue. Any of these five routes will bring you to a highway, but it is very important to take the route closest to your home.
It is important to be prepared for most emergencies. Keep these items in your home for use only in case of an emergency. You will need:
The police, fire and ambulance corps of the Borough of Allendale, in participation with national efforts, launches the "In Case of Emergency" or ICE program.
The idea of this program is to store emergency contact numbers in the address book of your cell phone. It is very simple to do. All you have to do it put the acronym ICE followed by the individual's name and their number in your address book. Emergency personnel will know how to look for this acronym when you are involved in an emergency situation.
If you do no have a cell phone, emergency personnel are asking you to leave an emergency contact name and number in your purse or wallet. Make sure that it is clearly labeled so that precious time is not wasted.