The Alternative Press

SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ – Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr and Scotch Plains Mayor Mary DePaola have both released comments regarding Hurricane Sandy.

Mayor Mahr posted the following:

Governor Chris Christie has declared a state of emergency throughout the state as a result of severe weather conditions anticipated from Hurricane Sandy. In addition to taking this preemptory step to mobilize government in preparation for the storm, Governor Christie urged New Jersey residents to be vigilant in monitoring conditions of the storm, its effect on their communities, and in making preparations for themselves and their families. Read the entire declaration

Fanwood's Police Department, Fire Department, Rescue Squad, Public Works Department and PSE&G will be standing by to deal with the effects of the storm. We will provide regular information updates on www.fanwoodnj.org, via email and on Community Televison (Comcast channel 35 and Verizon channel 24). If the power goes out, you can read our emails on your cell phone. Also, our website is optimized for smartphones, for those who have them. We also have the ability to telephone your home directly with recorded messages.

Things you can do now:

GET OTHERS TO SIGN UP FOR THESE EMAIL ALERTS. Forward your friends, family and acquaintances this email. They can get on our email alert list by clicking here and filling out the form. We don't share this email list with anyone else. People on our list receive these public safety alerts plus our regular weekly updates and special event announcements.

CALL 911 ONLY FOR TRUE EMERGENCIES. The dispatch desk will not be able to give weather forecasts or estimate when power will be restored. It is essential to keep the 911 lines open for true emergencies.

POWER OUTAGES. PSE&G has assured us they will have extra manpower ready to respond to power outages, and have increased the power system's reliability since the last major storms in 2011. However, power outages are still possible. We recommend you keep flashlights and portable radios on hand with fresh batteries. Keep refrigerators closed as long as possible to preserve food. Never run portable generators inside the home.  If you have no power and no telephone service, you are safest if you stay at home. If it appears power will be out for an extended period, watch for announcements of "charging stations" where you can recharge your cell phones and other devices.

Mayor DePaola posted the following:

As we brace for Hurricane Sandy, the Township would like to remind everyone to use extreme caution during this serious and potentially dangerous storm. Heavy rains and strong winds are expected and flooding is possible. Please remember to take steps to secure your property and ensure the safety of your families.

-                  Check your flashlights and have extra batteries.

-                  Keep your cell phone fully charged.

-                  Keep a supply of water and non–perishable food.

-                  Have a list of emergency numbers ready.

-                  One week supply of your medications.

For additional information, residents can log on to the Township Website, www.scotchplainsnj.com  or the State OEM web site at www.ready.nj.gov  for preparedness information and related updates.

Residents should have enough water and food on hand in the event of lengthy power outages.  If you see any downed wires, do not approach; contact the Scotch Plains Police Department.  Please only use 911 for emergencies, all other police calls use 322-7100.  SPPD will have additional officers on duty to handle any potential problems.   

If evacuations should become necessary, SPPD will activate the instant alert system as well as make an announcement on SP-TV and on the Township Website.

As always, thank you for your time and assistance.  Stay safe!

Mayor Mary DePaola