Updated 3:30M: Fanwood Loses Power Again due to Sewaren Subsation Outage

Update: Nov. 12 at 3:30 p.m.

From the office of Mayor Colleen Mahr:

At about 3:00 PM today (Monday, Nov. 12), power went out again to portions of Fanwood and Scotch Plains. A spokesperson for PSE&G says the outage is due to a failure at the Sewaren switching station in Woodbridge Township, which feeds the Fanwood and other nearby power substations. PSE&G assures us they are working to correct the problem, but offer no timetable.

All residents are urged to be careful on the highways and follow police direction.  Please do not call 911 to find out about power restoration. Please DO call 911 in case of emergencies.

Update: Nov. 12 at 10 a.m.

From the Borough of Fanwood

A beautiful Sunday was a welcome break from the past two weeks of struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Power was finally restored to the last couple of streets in Fanwood on Saturday. Individual homeowners who still have issues are urged to call PSE&G at: 1-800-436-PSEG

Even if you have called before, call again and you will get a progress report on your specific situation.

For cable TV/phone/internet issues, call your provider directly for progress reports on resumption of service.

• COMCAST: 1-800 COMCAST
• VERIZON: 1-800-VERIZON

Union County residents are eligible for disaster aid to help pay for things like:

• Temporary rent help or a stipend for hotel lodging
• Repairs or replacement for a home or business damaged by the storm (those with insurance must also contact their insurance company)
• Help with medical, dental or funeral expenses
• Help with mental health counseling.

Here's how to start filing a claim.

Coat Drive Re-scheduled

The Scotch Plains Junior Women's Club is re-launching its winter coat drive, delayed because of Hurricane Sandy. Please drop off gently used or new coats from November 11th-17th at the Scotch Plains Public Library on Bartle Avenue or the JCC of Central New Jersey on Martine Avenue. Coats will be donated to families in need in our local community and beyond. Here's a printable flyer

Update: Nov. 9 at 2 p.m.

POWER UPDATE

We are very much aware of the streets in Fanwood where homes are still without power. PSE&G crews continue working on the damaged circuits. Residents without power should call PSE&G at 800-436-PSEG, even if you have called before, to get a progress report on when your power will be restored.

CABLE TV/PHONE/INTERNET

Call your provider directly for progress reports on resumption of service.

• COMCAST: 1-800 COMCAST
• VERIZON: 1-800-VERIZON

Update: Nov. 8 at 8:30 p.m.

STUBBORN, DAMAGED CIRCUIT CONTINUES TO KEEPRESIDENTS IN THE DARK

POWER UPDATE
PSE&G crews continue working non-stop on the damaged circuit that has kept residents of several Fanwood streets in the dark. Some generous Fanwoodians have loaned portable generators to a few of these folks. We will continue to keep the pressure on to get these homes back on line.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR UNION COUNTY RESIDENTS
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), County of Union and the State of New Jersey are opening a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Springfield to support residents who suffered damage from the Megastorm Sandy. Any survivor from the 21 counties in New Jersey can visit this DRC. Disaster recovery specialists from various local, state and federal agencies will be at the center to assist individuals and answer questions regarding disaster assistance. The DRC will be open seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at this address:

Chisholm School Community Center
100 S. Springfield Avenue
Springfield, NJ 07081

Individuals should begin the disaster application process by calling the toll-free registration numbers: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. until further notice. Individuals with Internet access now have the option to register on the agency's website at http://www.fema.gov, where other valuable recovery information is also available.

SHELTERS

• Evangel Church, 1251 Terrill Road, Scotch Plains, provides shelter, warming, device charging and some food, 24 hours.
• The Union County shelter, Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Street, Cranford, continues to be operational. Call ahead, 908-709-7283 (press “2” for the shelter).

FANWOOD MEMORIAL LIBRARY
The library resumes normal hours tomorrow. People who need to charge devices are still welcome. More than 5,000 people visited the library during the one week period immediately following the storm. Read more

BOROUGH HALL OPEN MONDAY, VETERANS DAY
Monday is also the last day you can pay your taxes without penalty. Payment must be RECEIVED by end of business Monday, 11/12/12.

Update: Nov. 7 at 10 a.m.

Fanwood still has a number of people without power, 11 days after Hurricane Sandy hit.

PSE&G tells us this is because of extensive damage done by the storm to one circuit feeding these homes.

In an effort to help our residents cope while PSE&G works to restore their power, we are asking anyone who would like to LEND A PORTABLE GENERATOR TO A FELLOW FANWOODIAN to call Borough Hall at 908-322-8236, ext. 121 or 123. It would be a huge help to our neighbors without power.



Update: Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

MORE POWER GLITCHES, BUT MOST OF FANWOOD IS BACK ON

HIGH SCHOOL, MIDDLE SCHOOLS OPENING TOMORROW

POWER UPDATE

Power went back out for a short time late today in a small part of the northeast quadrant where it had been restored, then came on again. As we learned from PSE&G on today's conference call, these are believed to be controlled outages that are actually a part of bringing back more of an affected power circuit. There are still some individual homes without power and we are working closely with PSE&G to bring them back as well.

WEATHER

The forecast from the National Weather Service calls for snow and wind overnight into Thursday. PSE&G has assured us that their crews will continue working, stopping only if winds reach 40 MPH, which would make it unsafe for them.

DELAYED OPENING THURSDAY FOR HIGH SCHOOL, MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, Park Middle School and Terrill Middle School will all be on delayed opening schedules Thursday with bus service. All four elementary schools will remain closed.

Update: Nov. 7 at 12 p.m.

POWER LATEST
Our survey, as of 10AM, finds that the majority of homes and businesses have had power restored. However, we know there are several streets and a number of individual homes where residents are still without power. We know PSE&G crews are out there working and we are closely monitoring their progress.

POWER INTERRUPTIONS
As we saw yesterday, it is possible for power, once restored, to be temporarily interrupted again as crews work to fix power circuits. PSE&G tells us this may happen as they contine work to fully restore power in the region. Any questions about power restoration should be directed to PSE&G's customer service number, 800-436-PSEG.

WEATHER
The forecast from the National Weather Service calls for a mixture of rain, sleet, snow and wind beginning now and continuing overnight into Thursday. PSE&G has assured us that their crews will continue working through the impending rain and snow, stopping only if winds reach 40 MPH, which would make it unsafe for them.

PUBLIC WORKS
Fanwood DPW crews will continue to clear brush, branches and leaves. A reminder that if you have a private tree service cut down a tree or other branches, it is your responsibility to dispose of it.

SHELTER

• Evangel Church, 1251 Terrill Road, Scotch Plains, will open 7PM-7AM to provide overnight shelter, warming, device charging and limited food.
• The Union County shelter, Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Street, Cranford, continues to be operational. They recommend you call ahead, 908-709-7283 (press “2” for the shelter). Bring your own bedding and medications. Pets are welcome.

CHARGING/WARMING STATIONS

• Fanwood Memorial Library, North Avenue and Tillotson Road (9AM-9PM, 20 minute limit, WIFI)
• Fanwood Rescue Squad, 123 Watson Road (9AM-5PM, NOW OFFERING WIFI)
• Chelsea Senior Living, 295 South Avenue (9AM-8PM, warming only)

MUNICIPAL COURT CLOSED THURSDAY
Call 908-322-6750 to reschedule.

SCHOOLS
An announcement on whether Scotch Plains-Fanwood public schools will open tomorrow is expected later today.

SIGN UP FOR EMAIL AND TEXT ALERTS
Get your friends and family to sign up to receive email alerts like these from the Borough of Fanwood by forwarding this email and clicking here. You may also sign up for the Union County First Alert system, which sends texts or emails about any towns you choose, by clicking here. Both have shown to be extremely valuable and reliable venues for receiving information.

Urgent Update: Nov. 6, at 4:30 p.m.

POWER ONCE RESTORED IS OUT AGAIN

At approximately 4:30pm today, a section of Fanwood's northwest quadrant, which had power restored yesterday, went dark again, including the Borough Hall, police, fire and rescue squad headquarters. All automatically switched to backup generators. A number of homes are also dark again. PSE&G tells us they believe this is actually a part of the larger process of bringing more people online-- taking down power temporarily on one circuit to bring others, and eventually that circuit, back on.

Many residents are calling Borough Hall and Police Headquarters, but the place to call is the PSE&G customer hotline, 800-436-PSEG, to find out what's going on with your power. If we get a definitive explanation, we will, of course, publish it here.

Update: Nov. 6 at 2 p.m.

MORE POWER COMING ON, BUT MANY ARE STILL WITHOUT.

HIGH WIND, HEAVY RAIN FORECAST FOR LATE WEDNESDAY.

POWER LATEST
At today’s 10AM briefing by PSE&G, utility officials again said that the Fanwood/Scotch Plains/Westfield area was particularly hard hit because of the number of downed wires involved. Crews from around the country are here, working to restore power, which is returning in dribs and drabs. However, we are keenly aware of the areas where residents are without power-- going on 10 days-- with temperatures in their homes in the low 50’s.

Mayor Mahr and Chief Trigo are working with PSE&G crews on the ground and progress is being made. But, for those still in the dark, it’s obviously not enough. Warming stations continue to offer comfort and the county shelter in Cranford still has plenty of room.

TODAY IS ELECTION DAY
Fanwood voters may go to their regular polling place. Polls are open until 8PM.

THE NEXT WEATHER EVENT
The National Weather Service is forecasting a storm that will arrive in our area tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon, bringing a mixture of rain, wind and possibly snow overnight into Thursday morning. A High Wind Watch is posted for the period with wind gusts of up to 50 MPH possible.

SHELTER
With overnight temperatures expected to dip into the upper 20’s and low 30’s, some residents may require shelter. 
Union County shelter, Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Street, Cranford. They recommend you call ahead,908-709-7283 (press “2” for the shelter). Bring your own bedding and medications. Pets are welcome.

FIRE AND POWER SAFETY
If your power is currently off, PLEASE make sure your electric stove/oven is off so that when power returns, and you're not at the stove, it won't be a fire hazard.

MUNICIPAL COURT CLOSED THURSDAY
Call 908-322-6750 to reschedule.

SCHOOLS
An announcement on when Scotch Plains-Fanwood public schools will open is expected later today.

Update, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m.

ABOUT 30% OF FANWOOD IS STILL WITHOUT POWER

Utility and tree crews have been all over Fanwood today (Shady Lane, pictured) and quite a bit more power has been restored including the Borough Hall, Police Headquarters, Rescue Squad and residential areas. Several of Fanwood's gas stations were open for short periods of time today. The Martine Avenue business district has power-- The Double Dipper and Fanwood Corner Store were both open. Progress continues to be slow because of extensive damage to power lines. Always assume a downed power line is electrified, especially as crews work to restore power.

TREES AND POWER LINES
In response to numerous inquiries about whose responsibility it is to remove trees:

• Any tree down on a primary power line (the main power lines on poles), call PSE&G, 800-436-PSEG.
• Shade (borough) tree down on a service power line (from pole to your home), call PSE&G, 800-436-PSEG.
• Tree on private property on service power line (from pole to your home), call PSE&G, 800-436-PSEG to turn off power, then private tree service. If you hire a private tree service to cut down a tree, it is your responsibility to remove it.

SHELTER
With overnight temperatures expected to dip into the low 30’s, some residents may require shelter.

• Evangel Church, 1251 Terrill Road, Scotch Plains, has cots available 7PM-7AM, first come, first served. Bring your own bedding. Also, device charging, warming and limited supplies of food and water.
• Union County shelter, Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Street, Cranford. They recommend you call ahead, 908-709-7283 (press “2” for the shelter). Bring your own bedding and medications. Pets are welcome

TOMORROW IS ELECTION DAY, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH
Fanwood voters may go to their regular polling place. Here’s a map showing where to vote in your district. Polls are open 6AM-8PM.

HOT SHOWERS
The YMCA, Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains, is offering hot showers, hot coffee, WIFI and charging. Membership not required.

Update, Nov. 5 at 1 p.m.

On this morning's 10:00 AM call with PSE&G, officials told us progress is slow in Fanwood because of extensive damage to power lines. However, crews are working in Fanwood today (pictured is 2nd St. and Burns Way this morning) and have restored power to more residents, the Chelsea, Quick Chek, all of South Avenue and Westfield Road. More progress is expected through the day and evening.  PSE&G's website continues to give erroneous information on power restoration.

Update, Nov. 5 at 7 a.m.

We are keenly aware that we are coming up on the one week mark since many of our citizens have been without power. We share your frustration and assure you that we are keeping intense pressure on PSE&G to continue working to restore power. More power was restored to homes and businesses last night and we expect more restorations to occur each day.

 With overnight temperatures expected to dip into the upper 20’s and low 30’s the next several nights, we strongly urge all residents who need shelter to take advantage of the Union County shelter that’s been established at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Street, Cranford. Bring your own bedding and medications. Pets are welcome.

NO TRICK-OR-TREATING, PLEASE

A state of emergency still exists in Fanwood. We urge all our residents to keep children off the streets during our recovery. It is unsafe for children to be trick-or-treating while work crews are out, while piles of debris are on the streets and while downed wires are still evident. PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO TRICK-OR-TREAT.

Update, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.

DUNKIN DONUTS, MORE HOMES HAVE POWER RESTORED
SHELTER IS OPEN IN CRANFORD
SCHOOLS REMAIN CLOSED MONDAY

PSE&G crews are working in Fanwood tonight. More power has been restored to more homes and businesses. Back on line tonight are portions of Herbert Avenue, 2nd Street and Kempshall Terrace.

With overnight temperatures expected to dip into the upper 20’s and low 30’s the next several nights, we strongly urge all residents who need shelter to take advantage of the Union County shelter that’s been established at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Street, Cranford. Bring your own bedding and medications. Pets are welcome.


Update, Nov. 4 at 1 p.m.

FROM THE OFFICES OF MAYOR COLLEEN MAHR AND POLICE CHIEF RICHARD TRIGO

 MORE POWER HAS BEEN RESTORED IN FANWOOD

PSE&G is making progress restoring power to Fanwood. Mayor Mahr and the Borough’s emergency management team are in touch with PSE&G as more power is slowly being restored. As of 11:00 AM, here’s where power is back:

NORTHWEST QUADRANT:

Portions of Midway, Tower, Paul, Ginder, Beverly, Hunter, Willow, Madison, Mary, Stewart, Cottage, Paterson, Oak, all of North Ave

NORTHEAST QUADRANT:

Portions of Woodland, Oakwood, Estelle, Graybar, Glenwood, Timberline, Ranier Forest, Tillotson, Nichols, Portland, all of North Ave

SOUTHWEST QUADRANT:

Portions of Second, Marian, Belvidere, Crest, Carsam, Robin, Helen, Corielle, Kyte, Kempshall, Gere, Pandick, Cray, Chetwood, Martine, all of King

SOUTHEAST QUADRANT:

Portions of MacLennan, Shady, Saville, Trenton, Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Martine

SHELTER

Those seeking a warm place to escape the cold are strongly urged to go to the Union County shelter at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Street, Cranford. Bring your own blanket, pillow and any medications. Pets are welcome. If you need help with transport, contact Borough Hall at 908-322-8236 or the police non-emergency number at 908-322-5000.

HOT SHOWERS

The YMCA, Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains, is offering hot showers, hot coffee, WIFI and charging. Membership not required.

CHARGING STATIONS/WARMING STATIONS HOURS EXTENDED

• Fanwood Memorial Library, North Avenue and Tillotson Road (9AM-9PM, 20 minute limit, WIFI also available)
• Fanwood Rescue Squad, 123 Watson Road (9AM-9PM, 40 minute limit)
• Chelsea Senior Living, 295 South Avenue (9AM-8PM, warming only)

VOTING ON TUESDAY, NOV. 6

At this time, voting on Election Day will proceed at the usual places.

YOU MAY VOTE EARLY, THROUGH MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2:00 PM, BY GOING IN PERSON TO THE UNION COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE IN WESTFIELD (300 NORTH AVENUE EAST, ACROSS FROM THE WESTFIELD DINER). ANY REGISTERED VOTER CAN FILL OUT A VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT AND CAST IT ON THE SPOT. THE OFFICE WILL BE OPEN SUNDAY, NOV. 4, 10:00 AM TO 3:00 PM AND MONDAY, NOV. 5, 9:00 AM TO 2:00 PM. YOU MUST ALREADY BE A REGISTERED VOTER!

TREE REMOVAL

Homeowners who have private tree services remove trees are responsible for removing tree parts. Fanwood DPW will not collect cut-down trees.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

School will remain closed Monday, Nov. 5.

Update, Nov. 4 at 9 a.m.

The Mayor said they are waiting to receive the next update from PSE&G sometime this morning. Also, additional areas of town had power restored last evening. We 

The Evangel Church on Terrill Road in Scotch Plains is offering one bag of ice per receident. Also, food and hot beverages are available until 2 p.m. You can also use the Church as a charging center.

POST-STORM UPDATE #10 - NOVEMBER 3, 2012 - 2:00 PM 

URGENT PUBLIC SERVICE BULLETIN

FROM THE OFFICES OF MAYOR COLLEEN MAHR AND
POLICE CHIEF RICHARD TRIGO

PSE&G CREWS ARE WORKING IN FANWOOD!

WARMING/CHARGING STATION HOURS EXTENDED!

SHELTER AVAILABLE IN CRANFORD!

EVANGEL CHURCH OFFERS ICE, FOOD, SUNDAY, 9AM-2PM!

Here’s the latest on the power from today’s 11:00 AM conference call with PSE&G, Fanwood Mayor Mahr and Fanwood’s OEM/Public Safety officials:

·         Power was restored to two more small areas in Fanwood overnight
·         PSE&G assures us repair crews “are hitting our Fanwood circuits pretty hard today.” PSE&G boots are on the ground, working to restore power.
·         Repair crews have been spotted at North and Elm and in the southwest quadrant of town.
·         PSE&G confirms their website has been erroneously reporting that customers’ power has been restored when it hasn’t.

AS WORK CONTINUES ON RESTORING POWER, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL CITIZENS STAY AWAY FROM DOWNED LINES.  DON’T ASSUME DOWNED WIRES ARE SAFE, EVER. PSE&G CUSTOMER SERVICE: 800-436-PSEG.

UPDATES ON OTHER INFORMATION:

CHARGING STATIONS/WARMING STATIONS HOURS EXTENDED!
·         Fanwood Memorial Library, North Avenue and Tillotson Road (Sat and Sun, Nov. 3 and 4, 9AM-9PM, 20 minute limit, WIFI also available)
·         Fanwood Rescue Squad, 123 Watson Road (Sat and Sun, Nov. 3 and 4, 9AM-9PM, 40 minute limit)
·         Chelsea Senior Living, 295 South Avenue (Sat and Sun, Nov. 3 and 4, 9AM-8PM, warming only)

ICE, FOOD AT EVANGEL CHURCH
The Evangel Church, 1251 Terrill Road, Scotch Plains (next to Terrill Middle School) is offering one bag of ice to community residents, food, hot beverages and device charging Sunday, Nov. 4, 9AM-2PM. Church services will be at 9AM and 11AM. Parking on premises.

SHELTER
Union County is operating a shelter at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Street, Cranford. You can just go there. Bring your own blanket, pillow and any medications. If you need help with transport, contact Borough Hall at 908-322-8236 or the police non-emergency number at 908-322-5000.

VOTING ON TUESDAY, NOV. 6
At this time, voting on Election Day will proceed at the usual places.

YOU MAY VOTE EARLY, THROUGH MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 3:00 PM, BY GOING IN PERSON TO THE UNION COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE IN WESTFIELD (300 NORTH AVENUE EAST, ACROSS FROM THE WESTFIELD DINER). ANY REGISTERED VOTER CAN FILL OUT A VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT AND CAST IT ON THE SPOT. THE OFFICE WILL BE OPEN SATURDAY, NOV. 3, 9:00 AM TO 1:00 PM, SUNDAY, NOV. 4, 10:00 AM TO 2:00 PM AND MONDAY, NOV. 5, 9:00 AM TO 3:00 PM. YOU MUST ALREADY BE A REGISTERED VOTER!

BOROUGH BUSINESS
·         Fanwood Borough Hall is open Sat. and Sun, Nov. 3 and 4, 9AM-4PM.  Call 908-322-8236.
·         Public Works issues: 908-322-8236
·         Non-emergency police and fire: 908-322-5000

PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Board of Education will make the decision on opening Scotch Plains-Fanwood public schools over the weekend.
ALWAYS CALL 911 IN AN EMERGENCY