Update: Scotch Plains DPW Continues to Clear Streets

The following information was provided by the Township of Scotch Plains.

Update: Saturday 9:30 a.m.

Storm Update:

With the worst of the snow storm over, our DPW and the County DPW continue to work to clear our streets. The main County roads appear to be very clean. The Scotch Plains DPW has cleared most of the main through streets and will continue to clear the side streets throughout the day.

Please help our DPW by avoiding any unnecessary travel and from parking vehicles in the street that will block their operations. Also, remember that schools should be open on Monday. Please keep our school children safe by shoveling and salting your sidewalks.

Please report any downed trees or blocked roads to the Police Department at 908-322-7100.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Chief Brian T. Mahoney Scotch Plains Police Dept

Update: Friday at 5p.m.

Storm Update: Snow Storm Alert Second Update

The National Weather Service continues to update snow accumulation estimates for Union County. The Township anticipates that the new forecast predicts periods of blizzard conditions, which will make driving extremely hazardous. Is any resident experiences a loss of power, or is stranded on the road they should call the scotch Plains PD. Should it be necessary emergency shelters will be established.

I want you to know that our Department of Public Works and Office of Emergency Management have made the necessary preparations to keep our streets open and safe. We would request that residents refrain from driving during the peak hours of the storm to allow crews to remove snow and ice in an efficient manner. Wherever, possible parking off the street will make the snow removal process more effective.

For updates related to the storm visit the Township’s website www.scotchplainsnj.com, via a Township reverse e-Mail, and on Comcast and Verizon channels 34 and 22 respectively. For storm related issues, such as blocked streets, downed trees, etc please call our Police Desk 908-322-7100. We will also be sending regular storm related updates to the Alternative Press and Scotch Plains Fanwood Patch. The Township is now utilizing a reverse 9-1-1 system. In the event of an emergency that requires immediate notification, you will receive an automated phone message.

The following link will take you to an American Red Cross Winter Storm preparation page: www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm.

In anticipation of the storm, PSE&G is taking the following steps to ensure that the utility is ready to respond to what may be widespread power outages: · Ensuring that all available personnel are ready to respond beginning Friday. · Arranging for contractors, including tree crews, to assist the utility’s own skilled workforce. · Ensuring that additional supplies, such as poles, transformers and other pole-top equipment, are on hand. · Ensuring that all vehicles are fueled and ready to go. · Testing generators at utility locations. · Coordinating with county and municipal emergency management personnel to inform them of outages and expedite restoration efforts.

To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. PSE&G uses an automated system to handle customer calls as efficiently as possible. Customers who get an automated response when calling PSE&G are encouraged to use it, as it is designed to route their calls to the right destination quickly. The system also provides the option to speak directly to a customer service representative. If you have specific information regarding damage to wires, transformers or poles, we ask that you speak with a representative to provide that information.

Customers with a handheld device, or who are at an alternate location with power, can also report power outages and view the status of their outage by logging in to My Account at pseg.com.

General outage activity throughout our service territory is available online at www.pseg.com/outagecenter and updates are posted on pseg.com during severe weather. In addition, if outages are widespread, the utility will activate its Twitter page to keep the public informed about our restoration progress. Sign up as a follower at http://twitter.com/psegdelivers to monitor restoration progress.

Individuals who rely on electricity to operate life-sustaining electronic equipment, such as a respirator or dialysis machine, should pre-register with PSE&G to receive priority attention in the event of an outage. To request the service, call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG.

Stay safe and we will do our best to keep you updated.

Kevin Glover, Mayor The Township of Scotch Plains

Update: Friday at 12 p.m.

Snow Storm Alert

In anticipation of a major snowstorm that may hit our Township beginning Friday evening February 8, I want you to know that our Department of Public Works and Office of Emergency Management have made the necessary preparations to keep our streets open and safe. We would request that residents refrain from driving during the peak hours of the storm to allow crews to remove snow and ice in an efficient manner. Wherever, possible parking off the street will make the snow removal process more effective.

For updates related to the storm visit the Township’s website www.scotchplainsnj.com, via a Township reverse e-Mail, and on Comcast and Verizon channels 34 and 22 respectively. For storm related issues, such as blocked streets, downed trees, etc please call our Police Desk 908-322-7100. We will also be sending regular storm related updates to the Alternative Press and Scotch Plains Fanwood Patch. The Township is now utilizing a reverse 9-1-1 system. In the event of an emergency that requires immediate notification, you will receive an automated phone message.

While we do not expect and are hoping that we will not have major power outages stemming from this storm, let me suggest that you take the necessary precautions, checking on your supply of batteries, flashlights etc. to keep your family safe and comfortable. The following link will take you to an American Red Cross Winter Storm preparation page: www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm.

In anticipation of the storm, PSE&G is taking the following steps to ensure that the utility is ready to respond to what may be widespread power outages:

· Ensuring that all available personnel are ready to respond beginning Friday.
· Arranging for contractors, including tree crews, to assist the utility’s own skilled workforce.

· Ensuring that additional supplies, such as poles, transformers and other pole-top equipment, are on hand.

· Ensuring that all vehicles are fueled and ready to go.
· Testing generators at utility locations.
· Coordinating with county and municipal emergency management personnel to inform them of

outages and expedite restoration efforts.

To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1- 800-436-PSEG. PSE&G uses an automated system to handle customer calls as efficiently as possible.

Customers who get an automated response when calling PSE&G are encouraged to use it, as it is designed to route their calls to the right destination quickly. The system also provides the option to speak directly to a customer service representative. If you have specific information regarding damage

to wires, transformers or poles, we ask that you speak with a representative to provide that information. Customers with a handheld device, or who are at an alternate location with power, can also report

power outages and view the status of their outage by logging in to My Account at pseg.com.

General outage activity throughout our service territory is available online

at www.pseg.com/outagecenter and updates are posted on pseg.com during severe weather. In addition, if outages are widespread, the utility will activate its Twitter page to keep the public

informed about our restoration progress. Sign up as a follower at http://twitter.com/psegdelivers to monitor restoration progress.

Individuals who rely on electricity to operate life-sustaining electronic equipment, such as a respirator or dialysis machine, should pre-register with PSE&G to receive priority attention in the event of an outage. To request the service, call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG.

Stay safe and we will do our best to keep you updated.

Kevin Glover, Mayor
The Township of Scotch Plains