Hurricane Irene: FAQs on the Ocean City Evacuation

When do I have to be off the island?

We are asking residents, visitors and businesses to make final preparations, secure your property and leave Ocean City as soon as possible, but no later than Friday evening.

Will I be able to get into Ocean City?

We are asking people to secure their homes and leave the island as soon as possible, but no later than Friday.  At a time to be determined Saturday morning, City officials will be restricting access to entering the island.  

We ask that after the hurricane you do not return until notified by local media it is safe to return. 

What preparations should I make?

Along, with securing loose items and boarding up windows, Ocean City property owners should consider taking photographs with date stamps inside and outside of their homes. The photographs will be useful if insurance claims are necessary. Take insurance documents with you, or load them on a portable drive if they're available in electronic form.

I have special needs and do not have the means to evacuate.

If you have exhausted all options for obtaining transportation and lodging assistance from friends or family, please call 609-399-6111 during business hours on Friday and the City will assist you. 

What happens if I stay on the island?

This is a mandatory evacuation; if you ignore the evacuation you place your life and the life of First Responders in jeopardy. 

How far inland should I go? 

You should use your best judgment and go to the homes of friends or family where you feel safe.  All of Cape May County is under a mandatory evacuation, including Upper Township. 

Can they still get off the island on Saturday afternoon?

We ask that you evacuate the island as soon as possible. By Saturday afternoon we will be experiencing the first effects of the hurricane and will be expecting significant traffic issues on the mainland. It would be best if you evacuated earlier and preferably no later than Friday evening. 

Do I have to turn off my utilities (Electric/Gas)?

No, this is not recommended.

Will my trash and recycling be picked up?

Yes, trash and recycling will be picked up on Friday. 

Can we go to the beach tomorrow? Will we need a beach tag?

Beaches will be closed until further notice is provided. 

Is the Pops concert on Sunday canceled?

The Pops concert and all weekend events will be canceled. 

Will we need to show identification to enter the City?

Access to Ocean City will not be determined by residency. On Saturday morning, access to Ocean City will be restricted, and not restored until the island is deemed safe. 

Can delivery trucks/landscapers/cleaning services/contractors get in to the City tomorrow?

This is a mandatory evacuation, non-essential personnel, such as landscapers should not come to Ocean City. Contractors should be on the island Friday only to secure a job site.

Are businesses on the Boardwalk and Asbury Ave. open?

Business owners and staff are required to evacuate, so businesses will be closed.

The Aquatic & Fitness Center and Public Library are also closed through the weekend and possibly into Monday weather permitting.

Are Utility Companies turning off Electric and Gas? 

The gas company will not be shutting off service to Ocean City.  Atlantic City Electric does not plan to turn off electric. However, if the severity of the storm may cause the electricity to be turned off to avoid potential damages. Neither utility service will cut power to force evacuation. 

Where are the shelters located?

Woodbine Developmental Center, Woodbine, Cape May County

Cumberland County College, Vineland, Cumberland County

St. Augustine Prep, Richland, Atlantic County

Rowan University, Glassboro, Gloucester County

Atlantic City Race Track, Hamilton Township, Atlantic County (Pets in Crates welcome)

Where do foreign workers go? 

Employers of foreign workers are requested to assist their employees in leaving Ocean City to a safe location including the shelters listed above. 

What time are the high tides? 

Bay High tides of concern are 7:40 pm. Saturday; 8:11 a.m. Sunday; 8:27 p.m. Sunday. These high tides will be severe due to the New Moon, heavy rains and winds.