Special Weather Bulletin: 2017 March 13
March 13, 2017
 
One of the Best Places to Live in America
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This e-newsletter is brought to you by the Hillsborough Township Committee 
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Mayor 
Carl Suraci
Deputy Mayor
Gloria McCauley
Committeeman 
Greg Burchette
Committeeman 
Frank DelCore
Committeeman 
Doug Tomson

 
CANCELLATION: Due to the impending storm the Township Committee Meeting and Municipal Court for Tuesday, March 14th have been cancelled.
Hillsborough Prepares for Impending Storm

Hillsborough Township's Office of Emergency Management conducted a Storm Preparedness Meeting earlier today with essential emergency personnel, Police, Fire, Rescue, Township Administration, Department of Public Works, Engineering, Building, Health, Social Services and Library Area Manager were in attendance to review the mobilization plan.  
 
Very hazardous conditions are expected over the next 24-48 hours.

REMINDER: 911 is for Emergency use only.  Non emergencies, please call 908-369-4323
Reminder to All Residents: Parking Prohibited on Snow Covered Roads - Clear Snow and Ice from Vehicles Before Operating

Township Code Chapter 143-21 prohibits parking on snow covered roads.  When snow is anticipated, use off street parking as an alternative.  Vehicles are subject to summonses and the potential of being towed at the owner's expense.

Whenever snow has fallen and the accumulation is such that it covers the street or highway an emergency shall exist, and no vehicle shall be parked on either side of any of the streets or parts thereof as described in Schedule XVI (ยง 143-45 ) of the Township Code.

It is necessary to have the streets accessible and free from vehicles parked on the side to allow for the plows to complete their work.

For the safety of our residents, your vehicles and the effectiveness of Public Works plowing and salting efforts, it is imperative that residents adhere to these restrictions. 

The above parking prohibitions shall remain in effect after the snow has ceased until the streets have been plowed sufficiently and to the extent that parking will not interfere with the normal flow of traffic.

Additionally, Chief Powell would like to remind all residents that N.J.S.A. 39:4-77.1 requires all snow and ice to be cleared from a vehicle before operating said vehicle on the roadway.  The purpose is to avoid flying ice and snow, which can damage other vehicles and potentially create visibility problems for other drivers.  

Snow should not be shoveled, thrown nor deposited in the roadway from sidewalks and driveways, as per Township Code Chapter 197-2.  When clearing sidewalks and driveways, please pile snow on the side of the driveway and do not throw it in the street.
Please Do Not Place Garbage Cans or Recycling Cans Curbside

Wait until streets have be completely cleared before putting cans out.

Somerset County Snow Closing Announcements for  March 14
 
The following Senior Centers operated by the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services will be  closed Tuesday, March 14, in anticipation of Winter Storm Stella: Hillsborough, Montgomery, Quail Brook, Warrenbrook and the Senior Wellness Centers in Bernards and Bridgewater.
 
There will be NO Meals on Wheels deliveries on March 14.    Clients are asked to use the non-perishable meals sent out earlier in the season. If clients do not have frozen meals, or if they have lost power, they can use Heater Meals, shelf-stable meals that come in an orange box.  Directions for heating are on the box. Heater Meals are NOT intended for use in a microwave oven.
 
The Office on Aging and Disability Services, located at 27 Warren St. in Somerville, will be  closed to walk-ins for the safety of patrons.  Clients and caregivers needing information or assistance may call  908-704-6346 or toll free  1-888-747-1122
 
The Office of Veterans Services, also located at 27 Warren St., will be closed to walk-ins as well.  For information related to veterans' services, call Peter Niemiec at  908-704-6357.
 
The Intoxicated Driver Resource Center class that was scheduled from  4 to 10 p.m. on March 13 and March 14 has been cancelled. Call  (908) 704-6304 for more information.
 
ALL Somerset County Transportation services will be cancelled  on March 14 . For more information, contact the county Transportation Division at  (908) 231-7116  or  1-800-246-0527 , or via email:  [email protected] .
 
For more information about senior services and programs, contact the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services at (908) 704-6346or toll-free at 1-888-747-1122.
PSE&G Prepares for Winter Storm
Extra personnel and equipment at the ready

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey's largest electric and gas utility, is preparing for the approaching storm system that is predicted to bring heavy snow and strong winds to the Northeast on Tuesday.

"The amount of snow and high winds associated with this storm may bring down trees and power lines," said John Latka, senior vice president of electric and gas operations for PSE&G.  "We take every storm with the potential for outages seriously, and have additional personnel scheduled and on standby, with auxiliary equipment at the ready."

The utility also has extra personnel on hand to respond as quickly as possible and handle emergency requests. Both PSE&G's appliance service business and call centers are prepared to respond to customer "no heat" calls as temperatures remain low during the next several days.

Read More
JCP&L Winter Storm Message

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) meteorologists are closely monitoring the winter storm that is forecast for the region.  JCP&L has completed storm restoration preparations should the significant snowfall and wind gusts that are forecasted cause power outages. The company has additional line, substation, forestry and hazard responder crews available. Updates and additional information will be provided as the storm moves into the JCP&L service area.

Customers are reminded to stay away from any downed wires and report any downed wires to JCP&L or local police or fire departments.  To report outages customers may call 1-888-LIGHTSS (888-544-4877), or go to www.jcp-l.com .

Follow JCP&L on Twitter @JCP_L or on Facebook at   www.facebook.com/JCPandL
Winter Storm Reminders
  • In the event you experience a loss of power, please contact your power company directly and report the outage.   Do not assume that the outage has already been reported.  JCP&L: 888-544-4877 and PSE&G 800-436-7734.  
  • Do not touch or attempt to move downed lines.
  • Do not operate generators inside your residence or your garage; use only outdoors.
  • If you are using candles, please ensure they are not placed by any flammable material and remain attended while lit.  Please extinguish candles when leaving a room.
  • If using space heaters, ensure they are placed in a safe location away from flammable materials and walls.
  • 911 is for Emergency use only.  Non emergencies, please call 908-369-4323.
  • On street parking is prohibited during the storm.
  • All residents are encouraged to remain at home, but if you need to venture out, please allow extra travel time to allow for safe arrival at your destination.
  • Do not place trash cans or recycling cans out until the plows have passed.  If you must put them out, place them well back from the curb line so the plows or projected snow does not hit them.  Remove empty cans as soon as possible.
For safety sake, please keep all children away from streets and out of the way of snow plows. The drivers of such trucks sit high and it should not be assumed that they will see a child playing in or near the street.
Snow and Your Driveway


Individual property owners are responsible for their driveways and sidewalks.

During plow-able snow events, some snow from the roadway will inevitably end up in your driveway so, if possible, try not to shovel your driveway until your street has been completely plowed. The Public Works Department will attempt to clear the center of the street first, then each side.  

When shoveling your driveway, do not blow or shovel the snow from your driveway or sidewalk into the street. Place snow on the left side of the driveway (as you look at the house) so that when the plow comes along, the snow is not plowed into your driveway, but rather pulled away from it.

Don't Be a Statistic During Severe Weather Conditions
Poisoning Exposures are Common but Preventable

New Jersey residents will "weather" a fierce storm come  tomorrow , bringing with it snow, power outages and even flooding. The state is expecting unusually high snow totals, which mean dangerous even deadly travel conditions lay ahead. When storms of this magnitude occur, it is common to see an uptick in poisoning exposures/injuries. The good news: These exposures are PREVENTABLE!
 
"Storms like what's expected for tomorrow are known to result in illness and even deaths from hypothermia and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, as well as exposures to a variety of substances," says Diane P. Calello, MD, executive and medical director of the NJ Poison Center. "Rest assure that we will weather the storm alongside you tomorrow, responding to your calls for help, 24/7."  You can reach the poison experts in the following ways: call 1-800-222-1222, chat via www.njpies.org, or text [email protected].
 
Below you will find key safety tips that may potentially save your life or the life of a loved one. For those who have social media, follow the NJ Poison Center on FB and Twitter for storm safety tips.
 
General Safety Tips:
  • Save the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) in your cell phone and post it somewhere visible in your home.
  • Stay home and off the roads if possible. Driving conditions in severe weather deteriorate quickly.
  • Have a flashlight with new batteries ready to use
    • Make sure to use a flashlight when giving or taking medication. Read all labels carefully.
  • Have a battery-operated radio available with new batteries.
  • Rock salt exposures occur frequently during severe weather. Children and pets can easily access rock salt left in garages, outside, hallways, etc. Keep these products locked up and out of sight and reach.
  •  Avoid drinking alcohol in cold temperatures
  • Infants, children, and the elderly are at greatest risk for hypothermia. Stay warm and dress appropriately.
    • Some medications may increase your risk for hypothermia. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or call the NJ Poison Experts.
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