November 8, 2012 – 9AM Update
LATEST NEWS
Good morning,
The Township Committee and I are doing everything we can to get JCP&L to fully restore power in Bernards Township as quickly as possible. JCP&L’s complete inability to communicate any useful and reliable information about their work in our town is as frustrating and infuriating to me as I know it is to you.
I assure you that we are in touch with officials at every level of government in an effort to get more resources and information for Bernards. Here’s a list of some of the party’s with which we have been in contact.
Don Lynch, president of JCP&L
FEMA
US Senator Menendez
US Senator Lautenberg
US Congressman Frelinghuysen
US Congressman Lance
NJ Governor Christie
NJ Lt. Governor Guadagno
NJ Senator Tom Kean
NJ Assemblyman Bramnick
NJ Assemblywoman Munoz
Somerset County Freeholder Zabo
Somerset County Freeholder Caliguire
Somerset County Freeholder Walsh
Somerset County Freeholder Scaglione
Somerset County Freeholder Palmer
Somerset County OEM
NJ Board of Public Utilities
NJ Dept. Community Affairs
Last night, State Senator Tom Kean visited Bernards Township to assess the situation first hand. Today, State Assemblyman Jon Bramnick will tour Bernards Township.
As always, I urge you to look out for your friends, neighbors and the elderly.
We will continue to keep you informed of events on a regular basis.
Mayor Mary Pavlini
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We are continuing to do everything we can to get as much information for you as possible for the next update. The only updates since 9PM yesterday are
• The blocked streets list below
• The number left to be restored on JCP&L’s website has increased to 4829 from 4376 last night at 9PM.
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If your lights are out and you have not done so already, you need to notify JCP&L at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877). DO NOT assume they know you’re power is out if you have not notified them.
NJ Blood supply is down by 6000 pints! Can you donate?
• Bernards Township Blood Drive (The Blood Center of NJ)
Tues., 11/27/12 2 pm – 7 pm BT Community Center
For Info & Appointment
CANCELLED: Rabies Clinic on Sat., 11/10/12 at BT DPW
Click here for a future clinic
WARM COMPLIMENTARY COMMUNITY DINNER
November 9, 2012, 6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Bishop Janes United Methodist Church, 22 S Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 (Wesley and Melick Halls)
22 S Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ
Wesley and Melick Halls
908 766 1108
Still waiting for your electricity to come on? Come and join us for a warm meal with family and friends. Bring your devices to be charged. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes for indoor trick or treating.
THE LIGHT AT MT AIRY AND 287 IS NOW WORKING
THERE IS ICE AVAILABLE AT BERNARDS TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT
The tax office has been temporarily relocated to the police department. We have been unable to post any payments, however we are receiving mail. Please check with your bank to confirm if your check has been cashed after Monday November 12 2012. We cannot be responsible for the delivery of the mail. The grace period for the fourth quarter 2012 is extended to November 16, 2012. No postmark will be accepted.
Pill Hill Recycling will be open for brush only (no bulk) everyday beginning Tuesday, November 6 from 7:30AM – 3:30PM. Please note that only the Meeker Road entrance is open at this time. Bernards Township ID is required.
Bernards Township Schools information is available at www.bernardsboe.com.
If you have not done so already, please change the batteries in your CO detectors.
Take extra care in handling hot ashes. They need to be removed in a metal container and kept in a metal container at least 20’ from any building or structure and away from brush or combustibles.
Please take EXTREME caution when using your generators. The following links are available for reference. Some simple steps to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from improper use are:
• Always use generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents.
• NEVER use generators in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• Install battery-operated or plug-in (with battery backup) carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home, following manufacturer’s instructions.
• Test CO alarms often and replace batteries when needed.
• Keep the generator dry. Operate on a dry surface under an open, canopy- like structure.
• Dry your hands before touching the generator.
• Plug appliances directly into generator or use a heavy-duty outdoor- rated extension cord. Make sure the entire extension cord is free of cuts or tears and the plug has all 3 prongs, especially a grounding pin.
• NEVER plug the generator into a wall outlet. This practice, known as backfeeding, can cause an electrocution risk to utility workers and others served by the same utility transformer.
• If necessary to connect generator to house wiring to power appliances, have a qualified electrician install appropriate equipment. Or, your utility company may be able to install an appropriate transfer switch.
• Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
• Always store fuel outside of living areas in properly labeled, non-glass containers.
• Store fuel away from any fuel-burning appliance.
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/
Please take EXTREME caution when transporting gasoline containers from a fuel station to your destination
JCP&L’s estimates for NJ Towns. The following is for Bernards Township:
COUNTY – SOMERSET
TOWN – BERNARDS TOWNSHIP
CURRENTLY OUT –4829
CUSTOMERS SERVED – 12567
ESTIMATED RESTORED ON NOV 7 – 1362
ESTIMATED RESTORED ON NOV 8 – 1684
ESTIMATED RESTORED ON NOV 9 – 1197
ESTIMATED RESTORED ON NOV 10 – 28
IMPORTANT – Warming Center and Shelter Information
Check in on your neighbors and the elderly. In case of emergencies, please dial 9-1-1
The Presbyterian Church House, on the corner of Finley and East Oak St, is open all day until 7PM and will be serving hot meals from 5PM -7PM this evening. All are welcome.
The Riverwalk YMCA have extended their hours to 8PM this evening as a warming and charging station. The full facility is open to all, members and non members alike. Non members need photo ID
The YMCA on Mount Airy Rd is open. The pools will remain closed for a day or two more,, and will advise when they are ready for use. The Welcome Center, Wellness Center, locker rooms and all group exercises will be operating as normal today. Please check here for the full ‘group ex’ schedule.
All members of the community are invited to come shower, power and exercise. If you simply would like to come and chat, the staff and volunteers would love to see you and hear how you have been coping this past week. Please check for updates and information on their website and Facebook page as well as follow them on Twitter @SHYMCA.
All Bernards Township and Somerset Hills hotels or open and have power. Please call ahead for room availability.
The Sisters of Christian Charity on 350 Bernardsville Road in Mendham Borough is a shelter for people in the local area, but not equipped for medical or special needs. There are openings available..
The local Red Cross shelter is open at the Bernards High School lower level. Residents in need can report there but occupancy is limited. They are accepting medical needs individuals and if it is something beyond their scope of assistance, these individuals will be referred to a local hospital. There are openings available.
Fellowship Deaconry is offering housing accommodations at a reduced rate, warm meals for a flat rate and laundry facilities with coin operated machines. Details can be found at http://www.deaconry.org/
Liberty Corner Church is open from 9AM to 9PM at center court (at the rear of the campus) for you to warm up, charge phones, access the internet and have a warm cup of coffee. They also have hot showers for those who need to wash up, but they ask you bring your own toiletries and towels.
Current Warming Centers:
Bedminster – Pottersville FD, 3 Hacklebarney Rd – 0900-2100 daily
Bernards – Fellowship Village Health Center, 9000 Fellowship Rd – 1000-1600 daily
Bernards – Bernards Township Public Library, 32 S Maple Ave – Mon. – Thurs. 9:30am to 9:00pm, Fri. 9:30am to 5:00pm, Sat. 10:00am to 5:00pm, and Sun. 1:00 to 4:00pm.
Bernards – Liberty Corner Church, 45 Church St, 908-647-0340 9AM – 9PM
Bernards – Somerset Hills YMCA, Mt Airy Rd
Bernards – Fellowship Deaconry 3575 Liberty Corner
Chabad Jewish Center – 3048 Valley Road
Bernardsville – Library, 2 Anderson Hill Rd – 1000-1700 daily
Bridgewater – Library, 1 Vogt Dr
Green Brook – Town Hall, 111 Greenbrook Rd – 0800-1700 daily
Hills Highlands Masters Association Clubhouse
Manville – Sacred Heart Church, 89 S. 2nd Ave – 0900-1200 & 1400-1700 daily
Montgomery – Senior Center, 356 Skillman Rd – 0800-2100 daily
Peapack Gladstone – Municipal Bldg, 1 School St – 24hrs
South Bound Brook – Boro Hall,12 Main St – 0800-1800 daily
Warren – Municipal Court, Mountain Blvd – 0800-2000 daily
Warren – Stonecrest, 11 Technology Dr – 0800-2000 daily
Watchung – Brandywine Center, 1610 Mountain Blvd – 24hrs
Watchung – McCauley Hall-1633 Rt 22 W – 24 hours
Current Shelters:
• Bernardsville – Bernards HS, 25 Olcott St
• Sisters of Christian Charity – 350 Bernardsville Rd, Mendham Borough
• Fellowship Deaconry http://www.deaconry.org/
Please spread the word that under no circumstances should an oven be used for heat in your home.
If you have been called by JCP&L and told your service has been restored, and it has not, please reply to this email or notifyeservice@bernards.org with your name, address, and account number (if possible). ALSO NOTIFY JCP&L at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877).
Many people have asked how they can volunteer. Please check on your neighbors and the elderly.
If you have windows facing southern exposure in the morning, open your blinds and let the sun warm your home as much as possible. It is very important that everyone stay hydrated and eat properly. The state has established a 2-1-1 number to address urgent needs or everyday concerns for state and local health and human resource services.
Refrigeration temperature is considered 41 degrees or below. When in doubt, throw it out. To disinfect utensils and household items, use ¼ teaspoon bleach to one gallon of water.
If you are unemployed because of the disaster that began on Oct. 28, you should FIRST file for unemployment insurance benefits through the Internet by going to www.njuifile.net.
The Internet processes claims faster. However, if needed, people may also file a claim by telephone by contacting the state Department of Labor’s Re-employment Call Centers at:
North Jersey (201) 601-4100
Central Jersey (732) 761-2020
South Jersey (856) 507-2340
A 30-day deadline ending December 3, 2012 is in effect for filing DUA claims resulting from Hurricane Sandy.
For additional information regarding Disaster Unemployment Assistance or for FEMA services please call the FEMA emergency number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. Information is also available via the Internet at www.disasterassistance.gov and www.fema.gov.
For information on all New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development programs and services visithttp://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/
FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE
If you sustained losses or damage from Hurricane Sandy you may be eligible for disaster aid.
You can call to Apply: 1•800•621•FEMA (3362)
When you apply for disaster assistance please have the following available:
• Social Security Number (including your spouse’s)
• Private insurance information, if available
• Address and zip code of the damaged property
• Directions to the damaged home or property
• Daytime telephone number
• A telephone number where we can reach you or leave a message
• An address where you can get mail
• If you want your disaster assistance funds sent directly to your bank,
provide the FEMA agent with your bank account type (savings/checking),
account number and routing number ASSISTANCE
This is the latest road closure list for Bernards Township
Street Cross Street Second Cross St
AUTUMN Lake Rd
Beechwood
Crest Dr
Dayton
DRYDEN LINDEN
Fieldstone
Highland overlook
Holmesbrook
KEATS thackeray
Lee Place
Liberty Corner Rd
Liberty Corner Rd
Lone Oak Road
Lyons Rd
N. Finley Av Allen St
N. Finley Av
Old farm rd
Old stage coach rd
Parkview
Peachtree Homestead
Peachtree
Pond Hill Rd HAAS
Pond Hill Rd s maple
S. Maple Av Collyer Ln Lord Stirling Rd
S.Alward Av Dogwood Ln
S.Finley Homestead
S.Finley Av Colonial Ln Cedar St
S.Finley Av Homestead Cryer Ct
Somerville Rd milito wy
Spencer
Stoneridge
W. Craig Ridge
Warwick Addison to Pennwood
Whitenack Rd Emily Rd
Please go to http://www.bernards.org for details
