Freehold Borough’s Emergency Operations Based in Firehouse

The Freehold Borough Fire Department and employees in the public works and police departments have spent the past two days preparing for Hurricane Irene’s arrival, according to Fire Chief Ryan Bailey.

“We’re ready to go,” Bailey said.

Firefighters readied trucks and equipment for what is expected to be a busy time for emergency services. Public works crews removed barricades and cones from streets undergoing construction, Bailey noted.

“They can become projectiles,” he said.

The Freehold Borough Health Department contacted area businesses on Friday with procedures to follow during the state of emergency, according to Bailey. Restaurants along Main Street removed or secured outdoor tables and chairs Saturday afternoon.

The firehouse will serve as a command center for emergency operations on Sunday. The Office of Emergency Management, headed by Coordinator Henry Stryker and Deputy Coordinator Dan Megill; a police department representative; and 35 to 40 firefighters will be in the firehouse during the storm, Bailey said.

When wind reaches 50 mph, response calls are going to be on hold unless emergency service professionals receive reports of structural issues with a building or another very serious occurrence, he said.  Other incidents will be attended to after the wind levels slow down.

Residents are advised to remove parked cars from the roads Saturday night.

“It will assist with apparatus getting on the road and navigating through town since trees and branches could close off some streets,” Bailey said.

In addition, residents using power generators are reminded to keep them well ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide from building up, the chief said.