As Hurricane Joaquin strengthens, Ocean County public safety officials are encouraging residents to make disaster preparedness a priority.

“While the path of Hurricane Joaquin is still uncertain it is better to be safe and be prepared should the storm affect Ocean County,” said Ocean County Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety. “Being prepared is key to our safety.”

The height of the hurricane season typically occurs in late August and during the month of September although tropical systems can develop off the Atlantic Coast late into the season like Superstorm Sandy which came ashore on Oct. 29, 2012.

“The Ocean County Office of Emergency Management is monitoring this current storm which could affect our area,” said Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy. “We are fully prepared to activate our Emergency Operating Center should the weather require it.

“Once the EOC is activated we can assist towns in providing resources they may need during and after the storm,” he said.

As part of helping citizens prepare the Ocean County Office of Emergency Management has been providing helpful tips that should be put in place now.

“Waiting for a weather event to happen is not the time to think about what to do,” said Mastronardy, who oversees the Ocean County Office of Emergency Management. “I strongly suggest our residents and visitors go to our website which can be accessed from the Ocean County Homepage at www.co.ocean.nj.us and click on ‘Be Prepared,’ the information is invaluable.”

Annual preparations for the hurricane season include creating or updating a disaster supply kit. The kit should include a gallon of drinking water a day for each person and a battery-powered radio, which could become the sole source of information during an emergency.

“It is so important for every Ocean County resident and visitor to know how to handle these emergency situations,” Kelly said. “Special emphasis should be placed on the proper course of action during a hurricane to minimize any problems that can occur.”

Officials urge residents to stay alert for and follow all directions they broadcast.

In the event of an evacuation, like that which occurred during both Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012, it is recommended that essential items be brought along including prescription drugs and any special dietary foods.

If transportation is a problem, plan with neighbors beforehand to ensure assistance will be available. If needed, evacuation assistance can be obtained from the local municipal office of Emergency Management or the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Office of Emergency Management.

Registration with the local police department is available ahead of time for Ocean County’s “We Care” program.

“If you or a loved one needs special assistance during any evacuation such as the bed bound, sight or hearing impaired, wheelchair capable, dialysis, oxygen dependent or other challenges, the “We Care” program can assist,” Mastronardy said.

“We advise all residents not to wait for an official or law enforcement officer to personally notify you to evacuate. It is best to give yourself enough time to make it out safely,” Mastronardy said. “Staying at home could put yourself and your family at risk of getting trapped, making it more difficult for rescuers to reach you.”

Kelly noted visitors and citizens who have pets need to establish a plan to get their animals to safety should there be a call for an evacuation.

“During Supestorm Sandy, so many residents left animals behind believing they would be returning to their homes in just a few days,” Kelly said. “However, those few days became weeks in some instances. It is best to have a plan in place for you, your loved ones and your pets.”

Advisories to stay alert for are a “hurricane watch” and a “hurricane warning.” A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within the next thirty-six hours. A hurricane warning is then announced when conditions are expected within the warning area, usually within the next twenty-four hours.

Serious storms may require a mandatory or voluntary evacuation. Officials will not order an evacuation unless it is absolutely necessary.

“We recommend residents and visitors become familiar with the telephone numbers for their municipality’s Office of Emergency Management,” said Mastronardy. “Good information and correct information is imperative when it comes to weather emergencies.”

Mastronardy emphasized that people should refrain from calling the emergency 911 number unless it is a true emergency.

“911 operators are there to assist during life threatening situations. It is not to provide general information,” Mastronardy said.

“Our local emergency management offices can provide citizens with information such as which evacuation route to take, where public shelters are located, which ones accept animals,” Kelly said. “They do a great job in assisting during difficult times.”

Emergency management officials caution visitors and residents from venturing outside during a hurricane. Blowing debris can cause serious injury and traveling is highly discouraged.

It is also recommended that people remain sheltered after a hurricane until an announcement has been made that it is safe to leave.

“It is imperative to be prepared for storms,” Kelly said. “Being prepared and heeding warnings can make all the difference for our safety.”

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