The Alternative Press

UNION COUNTY, NJ -  The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced that most County offices will be open tomorrow, November 1. However, residents are urged to continue to observe caution as the cleanup after Hurricane Sandy begins and normal activities start to resume.

“We are all so thankful that everyone in the Union County community pulled together and made it through the storm without loss of life, and our hearts go out to all those who were affected,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “If we all continue to look after each other, we can all do our part to help avert any further tragedy.”

The Union County Court and most County offices will open tomorrow, Thursday November 1. However, the Department of Human Services offices in Plainfield and the Engineering Complex in Scotch Plains will remain closed due to continuing power outages.  The Department of Human Service’s home-delivered meals will also resume tomorrow. Paratransit services will resume for medical trips only tomorrow, including dialysis..

All Union County recreational facilities will remain closed until further notice and residents are advised to stay out of the parks due to tree hazards. In particular, Mirabella urged residents to exercise extreme caution while driving, walking or cleaning up yard debris.

“Traffic signals are still dark, wires are still down, first responders are out answering hundreds of calls for help, relief trucks are delivering supplies, utility crews are on the roads and road crews are out clearing the streets,” said Mirabella. “When you are on the road, please be alert and be prepared for unexpected stops and traffic slow-downs.”

Residents are also advised to refrain from doing yard work where downed utility lines or large trees are present, as weakened limbs could continue to drop. Residents who live on County roads should call their homeowner’s insurance company before contacting the County about tree removal.

Those without power are asked to be highly aware of fire hazards from candles, matches, fireplaces, kerosene lamps, liquid fuel and generators. No generator should be operated on a porch or in a garage, shed, basement or other enclosed area, even if windows and doors are open.

No “boil water” advisory has been issued in Union County, but the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has advised that residents continue to conserve water, in order to reduce demand system wide while water companies operate on backup power.  For the latest news, alerts and updates about Union County services visit ucnj.org.