Freehold Township OEM: If Evacuating, Leave Soon

The Freehold Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) urged residents planning to evacuate in advance of Hurricane Irene to do so soon. The message was sent through the OEM’s online account on nixle.com. The free service provides email and text message alerts for users who register.

The full text of the OEM’s alert, which was sent Saturday afternoon, is as follows:

As Hurricane Irene approaches, residents should be in the final stages of their preparations. Anyone wishing to evacuate should do so as soon as possible. There is limited space at Colts Neck High School, but pets are not allowed. Pets are permitted at Holmdel High School.

If you shelter in place, be prepared to ride out the duration of the storm.

Residents should seek shelter further inland with family or friends. Gov. Christie is urging all NJ residents to use shelters as a last resort.