UPDATE 10:30PM: Progress Made With Sandy Clean-Up, Tri-State Gas Map

Editor's note: To read our updates from yesterday, which may not be included below, follow this link: http://patch.com/A-zkyL

For instant Hurricane Sandy updates, follow New Providence-Berkeley Heights Patch on Facebook and Twitter.

UPDATE: Friday, 10:30 p.m.

A group of Franklin High School students in Somerset, NJ have created a map showing open gas stations and waiting information in the Tri-State area: www.mappler.net/gasstation

Please use the site and send the latest information you have on openings and wait times in New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Mountainside and surrounding communities to imsociofhs@gmail.com or tweet @IMSOCIO2012 #njgas #mappler.net/gasstation.The more information they have, the better the site will be for you.

UPDATE: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Here are the latest outage numbers from the JCP&L power outage map, as of 7 p.m. Friday night. (We've also included the outage numbers from JCP&L, reported at 1 p.m. Friday afternoon):

• New Providence –  2,788(was 3,692)
• Berkeley Heights – 1,462 (was 1,992)
• Mountainside – 291 (was 291)

Outages in nearby communities as of 1 p.m. Friday afternoon. (We've also included the outage numbers from JCP&L, reported at 1 p.m. Friday afternoon):

• Summit – 6,221 (was 6,880)
• Chatham Township - 3,793 (was 3,771)
• Chatham Borough 1,862 (was 1,863)
• Long Hill Township – 2,660 (was 3,093)
• Springfield - 6,782 (was 6,967)
• Warren – 3,829 (was 3,977)

Reminder — This Sunday, Nov. 4, is daylight savinigs time. Please remember to turn your clocks back 1 hour before you go to bed on Saturday night.

New Providence Update

Schools

The statewide New Jersey Teacher’s convention, which was scheduled for Nov. 8 and 9, has been canceled. Therefore, all New Providence schools will be open on Nov. 8 and 9 as recommended by the NJ Commissioner of Education, according to the New Providence School District website.

“Assuming there is power in the school, Parent Teacher Conferences for Grades 1-6 Conferences scheduled from Monday, Nov. 5 through Wednesday, Nov. 7 will be held as scheduled. Students in Grades 1-6 will have a 1 p.m. dismissal on these days as previously scheduled,” according to the website. “If it is anticipated that power will not be restored on Sunday, Nov. 4, you will receive another call Sunday evening. Please note: The NPSD email system is not operating at this time and will not be able to be restored until power is restored. In addition, Casinon Royale has been cancelled and a new date will be determined.”

Borough / Gas Stations

This information was published on Patch earlier today:

JCP&L reports that repairs to the Southgate substation have been completed but the main feeder line to 3,350 Borough households cannot be energized because there are more than 50 transformer and telephone pole repairs that need to be made before the feeder line can be activated, Borough Administrator Doug Marvin said in an email Friday afternoon.

“JCP&L advises that there are 5 feeder lines at the Southgate substation, which serves New Providence, Summit and Chatham.  The line most important to New Providence has been quarantined and cannot be activated until the 50 repairs are made,” Marvin said. “JCP&L informed Mayor Hern that they will next update him about the progress on Saturday.”

Yesterday, JCP&L reported that they expect to have ETR (Estimated Time of Restoration) lists for communities available by later today, Marvin said. When those lists are available, they will be posted on the Borough's website, www.newprov.org.

However, at this time, ETR lists have no been published on the borough’s website.

Here’s an update from the New Providence Police Department:

Good evening all:

I hope this message finds you all well and coping OK with this bad situation.

Today, we had a very good day, clearing many wires and trees, opening roadways for safer travel, and restoring some power in critical areas. We were extremely fortunate to have a lineman from Ohio Con Edison working in our town today. This is a list of accomplishments we had today:

November 2, 2012 as of 5 p.m.

Requested Assistance from Ohio Con Edison Lineman Bob Horger who agreed to assist us correcting major issues.

1. 1024 Springfield Avenue - Removed broken tree limb from power lines opening lane of travel on Springfield Avenue.
2. 1076 Springfield Avenue - Cut low hanging power lines and removed from roadway opening lane of travel on Springfield Avenue.
3. Lavina Court - Removed  power lines at two locations from downed trees.  DPW removed trees from roadway opening roadway to travel.
4. Elm Street at Walnut, Removed electrical wires from downed tree. DPW removed tree from roadway opening roadway to travel.
5. 309 Mountain Avenue- Removed downed power lines from roadway opening lane of travel on Mountain Avenue.
6. Dorr Road and Bergen -  Removed downed power lines from roadway, tree removed by  DPW opening roadway to travel.
7. Removed downed wires and restored power to 401-415 Elkwood Avenue. Tree in roadway removed by DPW.
8. Attached services to # 418 and #410 Elkwood Avenue, Power restored.
9. Power Restored to Barabash Manor (Senior Citizen Housing)
10. Power restored to Municipal Complex. We have been running on generated power since Monday, October 29th.
11. Power restored to center of town, traffic light at Springfield and South power restored.
12. Village Lot/A&P Supermarket power restored.

Both Gas stations NP Fuel and New Providence Exxon received deliveries this morning and pumped gas all day. They anticipate additional deliveries tomorrow.

The Shelter/Warming Station will remain open at the Municipal Complex on Academy Street. All are welcome to come and get warm, charge your electronics and stay overnight if you are too cold in your homes.

We are optimistic that we will continue to make great strides in returning our town to normal conditions. We are very thankful for your patience and understanding in this difficult time.

We will continue to keep you informed on progress made in the borough.

Stay safe!

Scott Torre

Deputy Chief, New Providence Police Department

Election

The following information was posted on the borough’s website regarding Election Day:

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. Polls are open 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. The Union County Board of Elections advise that all regular polling places in New Providence will be open. If power has not been restored by Tuesday, generators will be provided so voting can take place as originally scheduled.

Berkeley Heights Update

Schools

Berkeley Heights School District will not make a decision about having school on Nov. 8 and 9 until the Board of Education meeting this Monday, Nov. 5, according to the district’s website.

The NJEA Convention for those dates has been cancelled and the NJ Commissioner of Education has recommended school be in session on those dates.

At this time, Berkeley Heights is still under a Declaration of Emergency by the BH OEM, according to the website. GLHS still does not have power. Some of the roads are still not passable at this time.

Township

JCP&L is in the process of restoring power throughout the township, said Fire Chief Anthony Padovano, the OEM Coordinator, in a reverse 9-1-1 message to residents today.

“Brush and tree removal contractors are making good progress daily,” Padovano said. “In addition, DPW crews are working side-by-side with these tree contractors, clearing the roads so power company personnel can then make the necessary repairs."

Padovano said key critical infrastructure facilities and roads are all on the priority list. That list includes:

• The Sewer Department
• Summit Medical Group
• Governor Livingston High School

“Major artery roads are still closed throughout our township due to downed utility poles, such as Mountain Avenue between Snyder Avenue East to Timber Drive, Springfield Avenue between Summit Avenue and Plainfield Avenue,” he said. “Township residents — if you are experiencing a power loss to your home, you are urged to contact JCP&L by calling (888) 544-4877 to advise them.”

Any residents who need to power up their cell phones or other electronic devices can do so in the Berkeley Heights Town Hall Court room and Conference Room, according to the township’s website.

Special Chipping Program will commence this Monday, Nov. 5, according to the website.

Padovano said the Berkeley Heights Fire Department has been experiencing a high call volume for carbon monoxide investigations due to improper emergency generator usage.

“Please, never use a generator indoors, including homes, garages or basements,” he said. “Locate a generator outdoors and away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to enter into your homes.”

Padovano also said under no circumstances are residents allowed to cut trees or branches where there is power line involvement.

Election

Berkeley Heights Clerk Ana Minkoff said all polling places for this Tuesday’s election will remain the same. The only polling location currently without power in Governor Livingston High School. If power is still out on Tuesday, Minkoff said the County will provide generators.

Gas Stations

Today, the Exxon in downtown Berkeley Heights was open, but only pumping supreme gas.

The Delta Gas Station on Emerson Lane was open, with a line of cars waiting down Emerson Lane.

Mountainside Update

Schools

Providing that electric service is restored, Mountainside schools will be open Monday, Nov. 5 through Friday, Nov. 9 for full day classes.

Township

A charging station is available at Mountainside Boro Hall, while a County shelter is available at the Cranford Community Center, located at 220 Walnut Drive in Cranford.

Elections

There is currently no change in the scheduled Election Day, which is this Tuesday, Nov. 6. Residents should vote at your normal polling place.

Editor's Note: We sincerely hope you, your families and your friends are safe and well in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

If you have ANY information and photos you can share about the damages to your neighborhood, please share them with us so we can share with your neighbors.

You can:

1. Email photos and info to caitlin.mahon@patch.com and we'll add them to directly to the Patch homepage. 

— OR —

2. Post your photos and information here for residents of New Providence, Berkeley Heights and Mountainside to see: http://patch.com/A-zc4x

OUR CONTINUOUS COVERAGE OF HURRICANE SANDY

We'll continue to provide you with as much information as we can in Hurricane Sandy wake in the New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Mountainside area.

To stay up-to-date on Sandy's aftermath and the long restoration process, be sure to bookmark this link. It contains every article published on New Providence-Berkeley Heights Patch about Hurricane Sandy: http://newprovidence.patch.com/topics/hurricane-sandy-in-new-providence-berkeley-heights-mountainside

For even more news and updates about Hurricane Sandy, subscribe to our free newsletter, "like" us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NewProvidencePatch or follow @NewProvPatch on Twitter. We will post upates on the storm as they become available.

Be safe, everyone!

UPDATE: Friday, 1 p.m.

Here are the latest outage numbers from the JCP&L power outage map, as of 1 p.m. Friday afternoon. (We've also included the outage numbers from JCP&L, reported at 4:55 p.m. Thursday):

• New Providence – 3,692 (was 3,601)
• Berkeley Heights – 1,992 (was 2,627)
• Mountainside – 291 (was 312)

Outages in nearby communities as of 1 p.m. Friday afternoon.. (We've also included the outage numbers from JCP&L, reported at 4:45 p.m. Thursday):

• Summit – 6,880 (was 7,271)
• Chatham Township - 3,771 (was 3,999)
• Chatham Borough 1,863 (was 1,691)
• Long Hill Township - 3,093 (was 3,500)
• Springfield - 6,967 (was 6,977)
• Warren – 3,977 (was 3,520)

We’ve compiled a list of open businesses in New Providence, Berkeley Heights and Mountainside. To view the list, click on this link: http://patch.com/A-zkzL. Know a business that’s open? Please let us know and we’ll add it to the list.

Gas supply and open gas stations are among the largest problems for residents following Hurricane Sandy. Here is a list of gas stations that are open in Union County: http://patch.com/A-zl1n NOTE: Gas stations will likely close once they run out of gas. Expect long lines at any gas station in the area. We will continue to update this list as often as we can.

Residents requiring disaster assistance should contact FEMA directly at 1-800-621-3362 or www.disasterassistance.gov. Residents are urged to contact FEMA as soon as possible to begin the process.

New Providence Update

JCP&L reports that repairs to the Southgate substation have been completed but the main feeder line to 3,350 Borough households cannot be energized because there are more than 50 transformer and telephone pole repairs that need to be made before the feeder line can be activated, Borough Administrator Doug Marvin said in an email Friday afternoon.

“JCP&L advises that there are 5 feeder lines at the Southgate substation, which serves New Providence, Summit and Chatham.  The line most important to New Providence has been quarantined and cannot be activated until the 50 repairs are made,” Marvin said. “JCP&L informed Mayor Hern that they will next update him about the progress on Saturday.”

Yesterday, JCP&L reported that they expect to have ETR (Estimated Time of Restoration) lists for communities available by later today, Marvin said. When those lists are available, they will be posted on the Borough's website, www.newprov.org.

The following information was posted on the borough’s website regarding Election Day:

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. Polls are open 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. The Union County Board of Elections advise that all regular polling places in New Providence will be open. If power has not been restored by Tuesday, generators will be provided so voting can take place as originally scheduled.

According to the New Providence School District’s website, the Board of Education meeting last night was cancelled and Casino Royale, set to take place tomorrow, is postponed. A new date will be determined.

There is a charging station at the New Providence Municipal Center.

Mountainside Update

PSE&G is reporting that between 2,000 and 5,000 customers are still without power as of 1 p.m.

The Children's Specialized Hospital on New Providence Road has full power back.

There's still a charging station at the Mountainside Borough Hall.

Berkeley Heights Update

According to the JCP&L outage map, hundreds of residents have power back in Berkeley Heights.

According to the township’s website, there will be an additional chipping cycle that will commence once the streets are safe from trees and downed wires. In addition, charging stations are available at the courtroom and conference room for those who need to charge phones and computers.

The Berkeley Heights YMCA has cancelled all regular classes and the fitness center will be closed today. But between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., residents wishing to use the facility to take a warm shower and charge electronic devices can utilize the facility.

Here’s the latest update from Organization Resources:

It's an even "older story", and we don't have a lot of news ... but that which we have is here.  Remember, the best place to be is at home, but if you need to go out, please be careful of any downed wires. Most of us have found our "charging stations", our warm spots. We all know that gas is in short supply.

FRIDAY 11 am NUMBERS OF CUSTOMERS EFFECTED BY THE STORM FROM THE JERSEY CENTRAL POWER AND LIGHT WEBSITE ...

• SUMMIT - 6,880
• NEW PROVIDENCE - 3,905
• BERKELEY HEIGHTS - 1,990

These numbers are from the First Energy / JCP&L Website.

ROAD CLOSURES: There are road closures all over the region. Be safe and attentive when driving. When Driving, no phones, no texting, tweeting etc. PLEASE!  

NJ TRANSIT ANNOUNCED THAT BUS SERVICE ON MOST ROUTES HAS BEEN RESTORED. LIMITED TRAIN SERVICE ON THE MAIN LINES, BUT NONE ON THE MORRIS AND ESSEX LINES (THROUGH SUMMIT).

FROM OVERLOOK HOSPITAL: All inpatient, emergency and radiology services are open. Most outpatient services are open, however, please call ahead to make sure.

SUMMIT MEDICAL GROUP: Most Summit Medical Group facilities remain closed. Employees are asked to check the website for communication instructions. http://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/

THE STATE MOVES HALLOWEEN: Governor Christie has issued an Executive Order moving the New Jersey celebration of Halloween to Monday, November 5. We are sure that individual municipalities will make their own decisions based upon the SAFETY of all involved.

BUSINESS UPDATES: We can tell you that there is limited power in all three downtowns. Long lines at the Gas Stations that are open. Many of the food establishments are open, some with limited menus.

Here are some notices that we have received from local member businesses:

Smythe Volvo is open for business. 

The Elks Club opened at 10:00 AM today in case anyone wanted to get in out of the cold, charge up their electronic devices, view the news, and get a cup of coffee.

Carney Electric is without phones and are sure people are trying to call us.  They urge you to email them at DeLeCe@aol.com for Carney Electric.

Lou Del Rosso of Liss Pharmacy reports that they are open 9am-8pm and filling prescriptions. Insurance plans accepted and credit cards accepted as long as power and internet remains on.

THE GRAND SUMMIT HOTEL has re-opened. The HAT Tavern is open, and the hotel does have rooms available. 908-273-3000.

Hoboken Farms Sandwich Shop has moved their production location to their new cafe at the Equinox fitness facility located at 68 River Road in Summit. Charging Station available, as well as food and beverages.

Paul Neuwirth reports that he has propane at Taylor Rental - and our power is on. If anyone wants to charge phones, we have two charging stations available.

Skin Deep Day Spa in New Providence reports that they are now open.

The Prestige Diner is open.

Elefante Music is open

The Adams Shopping Center has power and all stores are open in New Providence.

FROM NEW PROVIDENCE:

The rumor that New Jersey American Water will be voluntarily shutting down water systems throughout the state is not true. New Jersey American Water has been working around the clock to ensure that customers will continue to receive uninterrupted water service.

Garbage collection scheduled for today, Thursday, November 1, will be finished tomorrow. Garbage collection scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, November 2, will be finished by Saturday. There will be normal recycling on Friday, November 2.

JCP&L continues to make progress in restoring power to New Providence. Crews are in the area and will continue working to restore the remaining areas that are still without power.

VOTING INFORMATION: The Union County Clerk's offices in Elizabeth and Westfield will be open for last minute vote-by-mail ballots on Saturday, November 3rd 9:00AM - 2:00PM and Sunday, November 4th 10:00AM - 2:00PM.

FEMA
 FEMA assistance - Those affected by #Sandy can apply for federal disaster assistance at http://disasterassistance.govor call 1-800-621-FEMA.

UNION COUNTY: County Offices are open. The November 3 Pumpkin Sail and the Nov 5 Barn Dance are postponed. The Sensory Friendly Theater performance of Pinocchio at UCPAC scheduled for November 4 is also postponed.

THE RED CROSS: Since "minute one" of this event, the New Jersey Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross, based in Summit has been involved in every aspect, and they will continue to for weeks. The Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join their blog at http://blog.redcross.org. (Editors Note: We are sure that contributions are most welcome at the Chapter House or on line).

TRAFFIC SIGNALS: Many traffic signals are not operating and non-operable traffic lights should be considered a 4-way stop -- use extreme caution when entering intersections.

FROM THE UNITED WAY:Thanks for all you are already doing to respond to Hurricane Sandy.

To help those hardest hit by the storm, United Way of Greater Union County created the UWGUC Hurricane Sandy Community Recovery Fund (www.uwgucsandyfund.org). This local fund will focus on near- and long-term recovery needs for all Union County, North and South Plainfield residence. Contributions to the Fund will be used locally but you also have the option to designate your donation to any County in New Jersey and we will forward to the local United Way responsible for that community.

We ask you to join us in supporting individuals and families who will continue to feel the effects of Hurricane Sandy for months to come. You and your company can help in many ways:

• Personally contribute by visiting  www.uwgucsandyfund.org
• Join the coalition of corporations forming to launch the recovery efforts by making a commitment of $10,000 or more
• texting the word UWGUC to 50555 to make a $10 donation
• 2-1-1: Connect People with Human Services as well as Volunteer Opportunities- Please encourage your family and friends affected by the storm to reach out to United Way 2-1-1 for assistance, whether people are affected or not, 2-1-1 can help connect people with volunteer opportunities. Visit www.nj211.org to connect with New Jersey 2-1-1 online.

REMEMBER YOU HAVE TO REPORT: If you lose power call JCP&L at 1-888-544-4877 and report it. Don't assume that they know, by calling it will be registered.  

Our thanks to the municipal officials in Summit, New Providence and Berkeley Heights, who have been providing us with some of the information for these updates.