The Alternative Press

I hope this message finds all recipients well, safe and secure in your homes. As you all are well aware we have survived one of the most powerful storms to hit New Jersey ever. Although we have significant damage in our town, we are still much better off that many other communities. As of this time, some power has been restored mainly north of Springfield Avenue. We just had a conference call with JCP&L who offered us no time table on our restoration. We will forward information as it becomes available.

 

There has been a rumor going around that the water company was going to stop pumping. THAT IS NOT FACTUAL! Water will continue to flow and is safe to drink and cook with. Gasoline continues to be an issue, as many local gas stations do not have power and cannot pump. The ones that are pumping have been running out and are awaiting new deliveries, hopefully tomorrow.

 

We have been operating here at the Police Department on generated power since Monday and will continue to do so until the power is restored. We have all of our officers working around the clock to keep the town safe. I know many of you are getting cold in your homes. We have the gymnasium in the Municipal Center open 24 hours as a shelter, warming station and you can also charge your electronic items here.

 

We have been able to open many roads. The roads that remain closed with trees down are due to the fact that power lines have been tangled in them and we cannot remove the trees until the power lines are removed by the power company. Please do not attempt to remove or move power lines as we do not know which ones are still powered.

 

I would also suggest limiting your travel as gasoline will most likely be difficult to get for and indeterminate time.

 

Just as a reminder, we are all in this together and we are very encouraged with the cooperation we have been seeing with our residents helping each other. Please check in on your neighbors, especially the elderly to see if they are OK.

 

Please refrain from calling the police department with inquiries regarding the power situation. The desk officers have been overwhelmed with calls and there is no additional information to add. I will update this information tomorrow as more definite timelines can be established.

 

Thank you all for your patience with this situation. Stay Safe and warm!