Handy Numbers Ahead of Hurricane Irene

As Hurricane Irene approaches New Jersey, emergency workers are reminding people that call volume skyrockets during a crisis. Many of the calls are non-emergency calls that could be better handled by another agency or non-emergency police dispatch.

Only call 911 in the event of an emergency. To reach for any non-emergency situations, call 856-853-2940.

The Gloucester County chapter of the American Red Cross's disaster services can be reached at 856-256-8300 x11 or after hours at 609-743-1643. In the event of any evacuations locally, West Deptford High School is a designated Red Cross shelter.

If you have any questions on preparing ahead of the storm, Gloucester County's Office of Emergency Management, which is open until 4:30 p.m. Friday, can be reached at 856-307-7100. Over the weekend, the office can be reached at 856-589-0911.

The following is a partial list of phone numbers to call related to specific problems you may have:

• Power Outages: PSE&G, 1-800-436-7734, or Atlantic City Electric, 1-800-833-7476
• Gas Leaks: South Jersey Gas, 1-800-582-7060
• Phone/Internet/Cable Service Interruption: Verizon, 1-800-837-4966, or Comcast 1-800-266-2278