Morris County Ready For Sandy, Officials Say

While no one was particularly enthusiastic about another approaching hurricane, many in the Morris County Office of Emergency Management were anxious to put in play the new strategies and techniques the developed since Hurricane Irene a little over a year ago.

"We learned a lot from Irene," said Director of Emergency Management Jeff Paul.

The office, which Paul said is now operating around the clock through the duration of the storm, is ready to offer support to the various munipalities around Morris County. To that end, Paul held a briefing with the designated OEM liasons for each municipality Sunday afternoon.

"The county is ready from a preparedness perspective," Paul said. "Everyone has done phenomenal job getting ready and we're ready to offer support."

According to Paul the OEM will serve as the central point for municipalities to interact with and their local coordinator will work to get them resources allocated as needed.

"We're staffed not only be the county division heads," Paul said. "But by members of the Sherrif's Office, Park Police and Prosecutor's Office."

Paul said that a "tremendous" portion of the manpower comes from the Sherrif's Office and they will be dispatched to assist municipalities that might warrant additional resources during the storm.

"We are anxious to help and to use what we've learned," Paul said.