Barnegat Evacuation FAQs

Barnegat residents are either heading out or hunkering down as Hurricane Irene approaches. , and everyone in Barnegat is being asked to prepare for what could be the worst weather the Shore has seen in decades.

Township officials have answers to some of residents' questions about the evacuation process. Read on for details, and check back with Patch later as more information is made available.

If I'm in the mandatory evacuation zone, am I required to leave?

 Yes. Once a state of emergency is declared, citizens MUST evacuate when ordered to do so. Residents who refuse to evacuate are subject to arrest and removal by officers and are further subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail, according to state law.

Where should I go? 

Barnegat will be opening a joint shelter with Ocean Township at the Russell O. Brackman Middle School, 550 Barnegat Blvd. North, Barnegat, around 8 a.m. Saturday. The shelter will be operated by the Red Cross, and will offer water, food and cots. There are also two large regional shelters in Ocean County: A northern shelter at Toms River High School North and the Ritacco Center in Toms River, and a southern shelter at Southern Regional High School in Stafford. 

What should I bring?

It is advised that you take with you to the shelter:

• Blanket, sleeping bag and pillow
• Lawn chair or lightweight chaise lounge
• Flashlight
• Medicine and prescription drugs
• Infant formula and food
• Diapers
• Special dietary foods
• Cash, credit card and checkbook
• Expensive jewelry
• Change of clothing
• Family documents and photos
• Important papers, including birth certificates, insurance policies and stock certificates

Do NOT bring:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Extra food
• Guns or other weapons

Can I bring my pets? 

Evacuees with pets will be directed to the pet-friendly regional shelter at Southern Regional. The northern shelter at the Ritacco Center is also accepting pets. Be sure to come prepared with whatever your pet will need for a few days.

I don't have a car. Who can I call?

 Residents who need to get out of the evacuation zone but don't have access to a vehicle can call the police department's non-emergency number at 609-698-5000 to make transportation arrangements.

I'm not in the evacuation zone, but I'm worried about staying in my house. Should I leave? 

 This is a dangerous storm that could pose a threat to a wide area. If you feel you will be in danger, make preparations to leave now. Anyone is welcome to come to the Brackman School shelter, regardless of whether they're in the evacuation zone.

 

What are the township's emergency numbers?

If you have questions during the lead-up to Irene's arrival, please call the Barnegat Police Department's non-emergency number at 609-698-5000. Reserve the use of 9-1-1 for actual emergencies. On Saturday and Sunday, a call center will be set up from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for residents seeking information. Call the main township number, 609-698-0080, ext. 120, 174 or 190. To contact the Ocean County Office of Emergency Management, call 732-341-3451.