As Hurricane Sandy batters Monmouth County, 9-1-1 call centers are being overwhelmed with calls.

Judith Drucker, public information officer for the Manalapan Township Office of Emergency Management, said 9-1-1 should only be used for a serious medical emergency. Calling the emergency line for issues such as power outages or other storm-related issues is preventing 9-1-1 operators from being able to respond in a timely manner to those in a medical crisis.

Manalapan residents with questions or concerns related to Hurricane Sandy are advised to call the township's non-emergency hotline at 732-446-3200.

In addition, the region is now in a state of emergency and residents should stay off the roads.

"There are downed wires everywhere," Drucker said.