UPDATE 7 PM: JCP&L Restoration Timeline, Berkeley Heights Poll Change

Editor's note: To read our updates from Friday, which may not be included below, follow this link:
http://patch.com/A-zmSd. The Saturday and Sunday updates are included below.

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

UPDATE: Monday, 7 p.m.

The following information was released via a UC First Alert message:

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders advised Union County residents that Election Day polling places for several Districts and Wards have changed as a result of continued power outages due to Hurricane Sandy.

Berkeley Heights: District 9 will vote at the Berkeley Heights Fire House, 411 Hamilton Avenue.

To see this information online at the Union County Board of Elections, go to ucnj.org/government/board-of-elections-2/municipalities and use the link “Polling Place Changes due to Hurricane Sandy.”

Voters who do not know their District or Ward can find their polling place by using an online search tool provided through the New Jersey Department of State at voter.njsvrs.com, or call the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

UPDATE: Monday, 4:45 p.m.

JCP&L released a list of town-by-town estimates for power restoration today through their Twitter page, @JCP_L. Here, numbers for Berkeley Heights, Mountainside and New Providence:

Do you want a specific information about your neighborhood from JCP&L? Follow them on Twitter @JCP_L. You can send a tweet to them. They provide restoration updates on Twitter during major outages, such as this one.

MOUNTAINSIDE UPDATE

According to a UC First Alert message, "A suspension of Halloween activities remains in effect for Mountainside until further notice."

NEW PROVIDENCE UPDATE

Deputy Chief Scott Torre wants to remind residents that power has been restred to SAlt Brook Elementary School and there will be normal school days starting tomorrow, Nov. 6.

Also, remember that Trick-or-Treating has been scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 10 from Noon until 5 p.m. There is NO trick or treating tonight, Torre said.  

As for elections, remember that polling will occur at all of the normal polling locations tomorrow from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.

In addition, Torre said power to a number of homes has been restored. He said he also spoke to several power trucks on the hill in the Murray Hill section (Mountain Avenue corridor) and they are making great strides there as well.

UPDATE: Monday, 4 p.m.

BERKELEY HEIGHTS UPDATE

All Berkeley Heights students will return to school tomorrow, Nov. 6 and Wednesday, Nov. 7.

The following emergency schedule was posted on the district's website this afternoon:

There will be no transportation or lunch times scheduled on Tuesday, November 6th and Wednesday, November 7th.

Streets are still compromised and may be considered unsafe. No one should be walking to school.

Parents should transport students to drop off points at the respective buildings.

GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON HIGH SCHOOL

-GLHS still has no power.

-Students in Grades 11 and 12 will report to Columbia Middle School for classes from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

-Students in Grades 9 and 10 will report to Columbia Middle School for classes from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

-No lunch period with be scheduled.

-No transportation will be provided.

-Staff members will be assigned to a specific session (7:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:00 noon to 4:40 p.m.) and should check the school website for their assignment.

- Students will be able to park their cars in the Pool Lot next to lower Columbia.

COLUMBIA MIDDLE SCHOOL

-Classes will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

-Grade 6 students will report to Mountain Park School.

-Grade 7 students will report to William Woodruff School.

-Grade 8 students will report to Thomas P. Hughes School.

-Staff members (7:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) will be assigned to a specific school and should check the school website for their assignment.

MOUNTAIN PARK SCHOOL, THOMAS P. HUGHES SCHOOL,

 WILLIAM WOODRUFF SCHOOL

-All students in Grades 2 through 5 will report to their respective buildings for school from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

-Staff members should report to the building from 12:00 noon to 4:40 p.m.

- Please send a snack with your child.

MARY KAY MC MILLIN EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

-All Kindergarten students (AM and PM) will report for school from 12:10 p.m. to 3:10 p.m.

-All Grade 1 students will report for school from 12:10 p.m. to 4:10 p.m.

-All Preschool students will report for school from 12:10 p.m. to 2:40 p.m.

There will be no Extended Day Kindergarten or Preschool classes on these days.

-Staff members should report to the building from 11:50 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

- Please send a snack with your child.

UPDATE: Monday, 2:30 p.m.

Here are the latest outage numbers from the JCP&L power outage map, as of 2:20 p.m. Monday. (We've also included the outage numbers from JCP&L, reported at 5:30 p.m. Sunday):

• New Providence — 1,422 (was 1,444)
• Berkeley Heights — 1,072 (was 1,253)
• Mountainside — 77 (was 230)

Here are outages numbers in nearby communities as of 2:20 p.m. Monday. (We've also included the outage numbers from JCP&L, reported at 5:30 p.m. Sunday):

• Summit — 3,323 (was 3,626)
• Chatham Township — 2,334 (was 2,465)
• Chatham Borough — 992 (was 944)
• Long Hill Township — 1,677 (was 2,073)
• Springfield — 3,355 (was 4,754)
• Warren — 2,719 (was 3,100)

According to the PSE&G outage map, between 2,001 and 5,000 Mountainside residents are still without power.

During this mass power outage, the County of Union is urging residents to not take anything for granted, as the power utilities may not know that your power is out unless you notify them. Residents can call the following numbers, which are available 24 hours per day.

For PSE&G, please call 1-800-436-7734.

For JCPL, please call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877)

Remember, PSE&G and JCP&L must clear wires first before any trees can be removed by governmental agencies.

MOUNTAINSIDE UPDATE

According to messages received through the UC First Alert system, all Mountainside schools will remain closed tomorrow, Nov. 6.

At this time, Holy Trinity Interparochial School Mountainside Campus will not open on Tuesday, Nov. 6. An opening date is to be determined.

In addition, PSE&G crews are currently working in town and all power should be restored by Friday, Nov. 9.

“Please do not call Police Headquarters for general info. We must keep phone lines open for emergency calls,” according to the message. “Mountainside information can also be found on the Recreation Facebook page linked to the borough’s web page. For general information, please sign up for First Alert messages at www.ucfirstalert.org.”

A charging station is also available at Mountainside Borough Hall.

NEW PROVIDENCE UPDATE

Here's another update from the New Providence Police Department, received at 2:15 p.m. today:

There have been several changes since our last e-mail message:  

The pole at Springfield Ave and Clinton Avenue has been removed from the roadway and replaced. Power has been restored to many homes east of Livingston Avenue in the Springfield Avenue corridor.  

Salt Brook School has been restored to full power and classes will resume at the school in the morning. New Providence Board of Education will send the additional info out later today via the Code Red messaging system.    

ELECTION DAY:  

Now that we have power restored at Salt Brook School the normal polling places will all be open from 6:00 am until 8 pm tomorrow.    

SHELTER:  

The shelter will be moved from the Gymnasium in the Municipal Center to rooms G1 and G2, adjacent to the courtroom shortly and will remain at that location until Wednesday morning.  

The Shelter WILL NOT be moved to the library as previously reported.  

We are encouraged by the progress that is being made. Additional updates will follow as our situation evolves.  

Scott F. Torre

Deputy Chief of Police

New Providence Police Department

Here’s an update received from the New Providence Police Department at 12:15 p.m. today:

Good afternoon All:

At 10:30 a.m. the morning, the New Providence Office of Emergency Management held a meeting to address disaster recovery. At this meeting, many items were discussed. The essential items that we want to inform you of are as follows:

We are continuing to work to restore power to the 30% of residents still without power.

SHELTER:

The Shelter/Warming Station that has been located at the Municipal Center will be closed and moved to New Providence Library tonight November 5th at 8:30pm. It will remain at the library until Wednesday November 7th, at 9:00 am when it will be moved back to the Municipal Center Gym.

HALLOWEEN:

Halloween will not be celebrated tonight!

Halloween has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 10th from 12:00 noon until 5:00 pm.

FEMA UPDATE:

We had four representatives from FEMA at our OEM meeting this morning. They have indicated that it is important to report your damage incurred in Hurricane Sandy to them ASAP. I have attached three informational bulletins for you to print out and use. They also indicated that you will get a 9 digit claim number and that it is very important to record and safeguard that number for future claims. See attachments below:

SCHOOL INFORMATION:

Schools resumed this morning at New Providence High School and Middle Schools. Salt Brook School is still without power so AW Roberts and Salt Brook Schools are on split at Roberts School.

Sessions as follows:

AW Roberts School: 8:30 am until 12:30 pm

Salt Brook School: 1 pm until 5 pm (AT ROBERTS SCHOOL)

The traffic situation at these schools will be difficult, PLEASE CARPOOL IF POSSIBLE!!!

We will have Crossing Guards and officers assisting with traffic and walkers.

I would also like you to visit the New Providence Municipal Website for continual updates at Newprov.org

Thank you for your patience and please stay safe and assist with your neighborhood needs.

Scott

Scott F. Torre

Deputy Chief of Police

New Providence Police Department

Here's an update received from the New Providence Police Department at 9:30 a.m. today:

Good morning all:

We continue to make progress in restoring power and removing trees from roadways. We still have a long way to go with about 1/3 of our residents still without power. Mainly homes in the Mountain Avenue corridor, east of South Street and the Summit side of town. This is due to several transmission lines that need to be repaired and the Grove Street Sub station that was destroyed and needs to be rebuilt.

Gas stations continue to get deliveries and we are under the odd/even filling method. This means if the last numerical digit in your license plate is even you can fill on even dates and if the last digit is odd you fill on odd days. Vanity plates with no numerical digits fill up on odd dates.

Our schools have reopened today, The High School and Middle School are on normal schedules. Salt Brook School is still out of power and the elementary schools will be on split sessions at AW Roberts School.

The schedule is as follows:

Roberts School- 8:30am until 12:30pm

Salt Brook School- 1:00pm until 5:00pm

We will have crossing guards on duty during drop off/pick up times as well as police officers stationed at Roberts school to assist with traffic.

The Shelter at the Municipal center remains open, we have full heat and power. Please feel free to come and get warm, stay here if needed, charge your electronics and just get out for a bit. Voting apparently is going to take place tomorrow. We have not ironed out all the details as of this message. I will let you know the details later in the day.

The stores, restaurants, A&P, and convenience stores in the center all have power and are open for business.

We know how upsetting it is to be without power for so long, especially in light of the colder weather we have been experiencing. I again reiterate, please check in on your neighbors, especially the elderly. If you find someone in need of assistance call us at (908) 665-1111 and we will send an officer by.

We thank you all for your assistance and most of all your patience in this bad situation. We have officers and town workers working around the clock to get our town back to normal. We continue to assert pressure on the power companies to get our power restored and they are working very hard to accommodate our needs. I will send another message out later today once we have a handle on where we are going.

Please stay safe!

Scott

Scott F. Torre

Deputy Chief of Police

New Providence Police Department

The following Code Red Alert was issued on Monday:

Power has been restored to Salt Brook School and therefore, voting will take place as originally scheduled, Tuesday from 6 AM to 8 PM.

Leaf vacuuming is continuing this week on the East side of New Providence.

In anticipation of the weather event forecast for Wednesday, residents are asked to clear storm drains near their property.

Finally, Halloween Trick or Treating is rescheduled to Saturday, November 10th between 12-5 PM. The Office of Emergency Management urges extreme caution while trick or treating because there is still much storm debris on the sidewalks and roadways. Please use good judgment in deciding if and where you will trick or treat, especially in areas that remain without power. Do not touch any wires that may be on the ground, as they may be charged by generators operating nearby. Please wear light colored clothing and be sure to cease trick or treating before darkness falls. Watch for cars that may be trying to avoid hazards in the roadways.

On Sunday, Patch published the following information about power restoration and clean-up around New Providence. Please note: No clarification has been provided as to where the “hardest hit areas” in New Providence are. Patch has a call in to Stan Prater, JCP&L Representative for our area, regarding this issue.

Borough Administrator Doug Marvin said crews are working on South Street near Mountain Avenue today, replacing four poles that snapped during the storm. 

“I understand these poles are Verizon poles and after they are installed, JCP&L will have to rewire the area,” Marvin said in an email. “That may not occur immediately follow the installation of the poles.”

During the conference call with JCP&L President Don Lynch at 4 p.m., he advised that they have many crews working on the major transmission lines and sub-transmission lines, which bring the power to the substations, Marvin said.  

“There is speculation that the Grove Terrace substation is the source of the disruption to the east side of New Providence. However, based on this report from Mr. Lynch, the issue may be with the transmission lines,” Marvin said. “Mr. Lynch reports that once the transmission and sub-transmission lines are repaired, they are in a better position to power the substations.”

Unfortunately at this time, Marvin said there is no specific information as to how long it will take to repair those lines or when the substation(s) will be operational. 

“However, Mr. Lynch indicated that he expects that all areas – except those hardest hit – should expect their power to be restored by Wednesday, Nov. 7,” Marvin said. “Mr. Lynch also reported that some of his workers are being accosted by angry frustrated customers.  He asks all public officials actively discourage this activity, as it delays the work being performed and distracts his employees who are working in a dangerous environment.”

Marvin said specific detailed information has not been provided by JCP&L at this time. However, Marvin said he has calls into the borough’s local government representative and he is waiting his return call.

Here’s information from the New Providence PBA:

The New Providence PBA Local 132 is setting up collection points for essential items to assist residents of South Jersey who are severely impacted due to the storm. There will be a collection box at New Providence Borough Hall until November 10, 2012 at 12:00pm. In addition, all polling locations on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 will have boxes on-site to collect items during the day. All items will be transported to Monmouth & Ocean county police departments to disperse to their impacted citizens.

Essential items:

1. Canned goods (non-perishable), Boxed cereals, cookies, etc.

2. Soap

3. Water

4. Kids/Baby Clothing

5. Shampoo

6. Toilet Paper/Toothbrushes/Toothpaste, etc.

7. Batteries/Flashlights

8. Socks/Underwear (men's and women's)

9. Sweatshirts/Pants/Thermals

10. Linens/Blankets

11. Razors/ Shaving Cream

12. Diapers (Baby and Adult)

**In addition if you have any other items not listed that you believe would aid those affected, please feel free to drop them off, we will get it to the victims.

Thank you for assisting us in providing aid to our fellow state residents. Even the smallest donations can mean the most to people who have lost everything.

BERKELEY HEIGHTS UPDATE (some of this information was published Sunday night)

Although Gov. Chris Christie rescheduled Halloween for Nov. 5, Police Chief Michael Mathis announced in a reverse 9-1-1 message today that Halloween Trick-or-Treating is cancelled in Berkeley Heights today.

“[There are] too many unsafe hazardous conditions that still exist because of the storm,” Mathis said. “[Trick-or-Treating] will be rescheduled at a later date where you’ll be advised.”

Mathis also warned residents to treat all downed wires as live.

“There are still too many lines that are hanging that must be treated as if they are live,” he said. “JCP&L has reported that wires may be charged at any time. So wires must be treated as if they are live.”

Temperatures have been dropping below freezing the last couple of night.. Therefore, any residents who are still without power and need to warm up can do so at Council Cambers in Berkeley Heights Town Hall, which will remain open 24 hours per day, Mathis said. There’s coffee and hot chocolate there, too.

By order of the Berkeley Heights OEM, the Berkeley Heights Public Schools are again closed today due to unsafe conditions, according to the district’s website. No decision to open schools on Tuesday has been made at this time.

The following information was published on the Berkeley Heights Township website:

Mayor Joe Bruno wanted to give back to the residents with a personal touch by making 70 lbs of Chili along with fresh rolls, soda, snacks, and candy for the kids. Many came to eat a hot meal, some to use the recharging station and WiFi, and there was a huddle around the TV to watch the Giants game. Everyone enjoyed friendly conversation and some good food.

The Berkeley Heights YMCA will be open normal hours starting on Monday, Nov. 5. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 5:15 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.; Friday, 5:15 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Y invites ALL residents of our community to be our guest this week (11/5 - 11/11).  The fitness center and classes are open to EVERYONE.

Warm showers and charging areas will be available to ANYONE without power.  This service will continue until everyone in our community has their power restored.

Our phones now work at the Y, so anyone can call our main phone number 908-464-8373. We also have WiFi at the Y as well.

UPDATE FROM ORGANIZATION RESOURCES:

MONDAY, 10 AM NUMBERS OF CUSTOMERS EFFECTED BY THE STORM FROM THE JERSEY CENTRAL POWER AND LIGHT WEBSITE ...

• SUMMIT - 3311
• NEW PROVIDENCE - 1644
• BERKELEY HEIGHTS - 1068

These numbers are from the JCP&L / First Energy Website. We are receiving reports from lots of places that progress is being made. The numbers seem more hopeful than they have been.

GAS RATIONING IN EFFECT: The last digit of your plate is what counts. Vanity plates (or all letters) are considered odd.

VOTING INFORMATION FROM THE SUMMIT CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012 GENERAL ELECTION

CURRENTLY THE ONLY POLLING PLACES IN SUMMIT WITHOUT POWER ARE FRANKLIN SCHOOL AND LINCOLN / HUBBARD SCHOOL.   ALL OTHER LOCATIONS WILL BE OPERATIONAL AS NORMAL. WATCH FOR DETAILS LATER TODAY ON WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE TWO SCHOOLS.

Or you can vote IN PERSON at the Union County Annex, 300 North Avenue East, Westfield, NJ 07090, 908-654-9859 (across from the Westfield Diner)or The Courthouse 2 Broad Street, 1st Fl Room 113, Elizabeth, NJ:

WESTFIELD                                     ELIZABETH

Monday                November 5     8:00 am - 3:00 pm                          8:30am - 3:00pm

AFTER 3:00 PM, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, YOU MUST GO TO YOUR POLLING PLACE TO CAST YOUR VOTE.

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. There are extra busses running from 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 are now open. Check their website for any exceptions. http://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/

HALLOWEEN: Summit has cancelled Halloween.

BUSINESS UPDATES: The final third of downtown Summit has gotten power back (Summit Avenue and Springfield Avenue past Summit Avenue). New Providence seems to have full power in the business district, as does Berkeley Heights.

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

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).

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.

-----------------------------

UPDATE: Sunday, 6 p.m.

Here are the latest outage numbers from the JCP&L power outage map, as of  5:50 p.m. Sunday. (We've also included the outage numbers from JCP&L, reported at 6:15 p.m. Saturday):

• New Providence — 1,444 (was 3,053)
• Berkeley Heights — 1,253 (was 1,607)
• Mountainside — 230 (was 248)

Here are outage numbers in nearby communities as of 5:50 p.m. Sunday. (We've also included the outage numbers from JCP&L, reported at 6:15 p.m. Saturday):

• Summit — 3,626 (was 4,618)
• Chatham Township — 2,465 (was 2,802)
• Chatham Borough — 994 (was 1,488)
• Long Hill Township — 2,073 (was 2,109)
• Springfield — 4,754 (was 5,865)
• Warren — 3,100 (was 3,403)

According to the PSE&G outage map, between 2,001 and 5,000 Mountainside residents are without power.

During this mass power outage, the County of Union is urging residents to not take anything for granted, as the power utilities may not know that your power is out unless you notify them directly. Residents can call the following numbers, which are available 24 hours per day:

• For PSE&G, please call 1-800-436-7734.
• For JCPL, please call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877)

Remember, PSE&G and JCP&L must clear wires first before any trees can be removed by governmental agencies.

SHELTER FOR UNION COUNTY RESIDENTS

With temperatures dropping, Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella asks Union County residents without heat to immediately seek alternatives.

Those without power can contact friends or relatives who may be able to offer a warm place to stay overnight. Local shelters are also available, and the Union County Regional Shelter is also open in Cranford, at the Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave. Residents planning to stay overnight should call ahead at (908) 709-7283  (press “2” for the shelter).

Residents who plan on staying overnight at the Regional Shelter and who have no other means of transportation can call the Union County Office of Emergency Management, (908) 654-9881 and arrange for pick-up by a van provided by the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

Residents who choose to stay at home are advised to exercise extreme caution if using a generator. No generator or unvented flame such as a gas stove or oven, charcoal grill, portable camp stove or lantern should be used indoors to heat a home or garage due to the risk of potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.

Generators should only be run outdoors and they must be placed least 25 feet outside of a door or window, to prevent fumes from seeping into the home.
For more updates and alerts on Union County programs and services, visit ucnj.org.

MOUNTAINSIDE UPDATE

According to messages received through the UC First Alert system, all Mountainside schools will be closed tomorrow, Nov. 5.

In addition, PSE&G crews are currently working in town and all power should be restored by Friday, Nov. 9. (On Wednesday, PSE&G reported to Mountainside Police Captain Richard Osieja that it would take 3 to 5 days before power would be restored to residents, although Osieja said he thought it would take 5 or more days.)

“Please do not call Police Headquarters for general information. We must keep phone lines open for emergency calls,” according to the message. “Mountainside information can also be found on the Recreation Facebook page linked to the borough’s web page. For general information, please sign up for First Alert messages at www.ucfirstalert.org.”

Plus, a charging station is still available at Mountainside Borough Hall.

NEW PROVIDENCE UPDATE

Borough Administrator Doug Marvin said crews are working on South Street near Mountain Avenue today, replacing four poles that snapped during the storm.

“I understand these poles are Verizon poles and after they are installed, JCP&L will have to rewire the area,” Marvin said in an email. “That may not occur immediately follow the installation of the poles.”

During a conference call with JCP&L President Don Lynch at 4 p.m. today, he advised that they have many crews working on the major transmission lines and sub-transmission lines, which bring the power to the substations, Marvin said.

“There is speculation that the Grove Terrace substation is the source of the disruption to the east side of New Providence. However, based on this report from Mr. Lynch, the issue may be with the transmission lines,” Marvin said. “Mr. Lynch reports that once the transmission and sub-transmission lines are repaired, they are in a better position to power the substations.”

Unfortunately, at this time, Marvin said there is no specific information as to how long it will take to repair those lines or when the substation(s) will be operational. 

“However, Mr. Lynch indicated that he expects that all areas – except those hardest hit – should expect their power to be restored by Wednesday, Nov. 7,” Marvin said. “Mr. Lynch also reported that some of his workers are being accosted by angry, frustrated customers. He asks all public officials to actively discourage this activity, as it delays the work being performed and distracts his employees who are working in a dangerous environment.”

Marvin said specific detailed information has not been provided by JCP&L at this time. However, Marvin said he has calls into the borough’s local government representative and he is waiting for his return call.

The following announcement was published today on the New Providence School District’s website:

PLEASE READ IMPORTANT MESSAGES BELOW FOR EACH SCHOOL:

HIGH SCHOOL

• High School students have a regular day tomorrow, Monday, Nov. 5. HOWEVER, there will be no Food services provided. Please send your child(ren) to school with a lunch.

MIDDLE SCHOOL:

• Middle School students have a regular day tomorrow, Monday, Nov. 5. HOWEVER, there will be no Food services provided. Please send your child(ren) to school with a lunch.

ALLEN W. ROBERTS:

• AWR students will report to school from 8:30 - 12:30 tomorrow, Monday, Nov. 5. HOWEVER, there will be no lunch provided.
• Parents should send in a snack with their children.
• AWR A.M. KIndergarten will meet from 8:30 - 10:30 and AWR P.M. Kindergarten will meet from 10:30 - 12:30.
• All Parent Teacher Conferences for Monday have been cancelled and will be rescheduled to a later date.
• Pre-K students will meet at their regular scheduled times.
• Please arrange for AWR students to be picked up at 12:30.

SALT BROOK:

• Salt Brook Schoool has no power.
• SB staff are to report to AWR at 11:00 a.m.
• Salt Brook students will report to Allen W. Roberts School at 1 p.m. and school will be in session until 5 p.m.
• SB Kindergarten students, both AM and PM, will report to AWR at 1 p.m. and will be dismissed at 3 p.m.
• Students in grades K-3 are to report to the AWR cafeteria and students in grades 4-6 will report to the AWR gymnasium.
• Students in grades K-3 are to be picked up at 5 p.m. in the AWR cafeteria and student in grades 4-6 are to be picked up in the AWR gymnasium.
• SB students should eat lunch before they arrive at 12:30. Students should bring a snack to school.
• There will be no district busing for SB students.
• Parents of SB children: Please do not drop off your children at AWR until 12:50 p.m. to allow AWR parents to pick up their children.
• All Parent Teacher Conferences for Monday have been cancelled and will be rescheduled to a later date.

BERKELEY HEIGHTS UPDATE

Although Gov. Chris Christie rescheduled Halloween for Nov. 5, Police Chief Michael Mathis announced in a reverse 9-1-1 message today that Halloween Trick-or-Treating is cancelled in Berkeley Heights for tomorrow.

“[There are] too many unsafe hazardous conditions that still exist because of the storm,” Mathis said. “[Trick-or-Treating] will be rescheduled at a later date where you’ll be advised.”

Mathis also warned residents to treat all downed wires as live.

“There are still too many lines that are hanging that must be treated as if they are live,” he said. “JCP&L has reported that wires may be charged at any time. So wires must be treated as if they are live.”

Temperatures will drop below freezing tonight in the area. Therefore, any residents who are still without power and need to warm up can do so at Council Cambers in Berkeley Heights Town Hall, which will remain open 24 hours per day, Mathis said. There’s coffee and hot chocolate there, too.

According to the Berkeley Heights School District’s website, “the decision about opening school for Monday will be made early this evening, Sunday Nov. 4.”

The following was published on the Berkeley Heights Township Website:

“I have made 100 lbs of Chili and will be serving at Town Hall at around 4 p.m. today. Please stop by power up your phone or laptop and get a hot meal. While supply lasts and no take out. The Giants are on the TV.” — Mayor Joe Bruno

The Berkeley Heights YMCA will be open normal hours starting on Monday, Nov. 5. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 5:15 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.; Friday, 5:15 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Y invites ALL residents of our community to be our guest this week (11/5 - 11/11).  The fitness center and classes are open to EVERYONE.

Warm showers and charging areas will be available to ANYONE without power.  This service will continue until everyone in our community has their power restored.

Our phones now work at the Y, so anyone can call our main phone number 908-464-8373. We also have WiFi at the Y as well.

UPDATE: Saturday, 6:30 p.m.

Here are the latest outage numbers from the JCP&L power outage map, as of 6:15 p.m. Saturday night. (We've also included the outage numbers from JCP&L, reported at 7 p.m. Friday night):

• New Providence –  3,053 (was 2,788)
• Berkeley Heights – 1,607 (was 1,462)
• Mountainside – 248 (was 291)

Outages in nearby communities as of 6:15 p.m. Saturday afternoon. (We've also included the outage numbers from JCP&L, reported at 7 p.m. Friday night):

• Summit – 4,618 (was 6,221)
• Chatham Township - 2,802 (was 3,793)
• Chatham Borough 1,488 (was 1,862)
• Long Hill Township – 2,109 (was 2,660)
• Springfield - 5,865 (was 6,782)
• Warren – 3,403 (was 3,829)

GAS STATIONS 

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.

GAS RATIONING

A system for dispensing gas is to began today at 12 p.m. to combat long lines at the pump in 12 counties throughout the state, including Union County.

According to a release from the Governor's Office, plates ending in an even number can fill up on even numbered days of the month, while plates ending in an odd number can fill up on odd numbered days of the month. The number to look for is the final numerical digit contained in the plate number, whether it is the final character on the plate or not, according to the governor's office.

So, for example, a theoretical plate number of "MVM 48Q" would have "8" as its final numerical digit, and would be permitted to fill up on an even day.

Specialized or vanity plates, those not displaying any numbers, will be considered odd numbered plates, the release said.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

This Sunday, Nov. 4, is daylight savings time. Please remember to turn your clocks back 1 hour before you go to bed tonight.

NEW PROVIDENCE UPDATE

From Residents

On Saturday, one New Providence resident told Patch that those living on Fairview Avenue are still stranded, with no JCP&L truck in site. In addition, there are some kind of chemicals leaking from wires.

Have any updates for us about your power situation, road closures, downed trees and wires in New Providence? Comment below or send your information to caitlin.mahon@patch.com, and we'll add them here!

Borough / Gas Stations

The following Code Red Alert message was received on Saturday from the New Providence Office of Emergency Management:

Progress continues to be made restoring power around town, with the exception of a few severely damaged areas. Most roadways are passable. Our shelter remains open for warming and charging. Gov. Christie’s executive order regarding gasoline is going into effect at 12 noon today. License plates with the last number being odd will be able to fuel on odd dates. License plates with the last number being even will be able to fuel on even dates. If your license plate contains no numbers, you will fuel on odd dates. For more information on power outages, you can go to JCP&L’s website at www.firstenergycorp.com.

Estimated Time of Restoration lists for New Providence have not been posted on the borough’s website at this time.

This is the latest information received from the borough regarding JCP&L’s progress, published Friday on Patch:

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.”

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

This is an update from the New Providence Police Department from 5 p.m. Friday:

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.

Schools

The statewide New Jersey Teacher’s convention, which was scheduled for Nov. 8 and 9, has been canceled. Therefore, 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.”

MOUNTAINSIDE UPDATE

From Residents

On Saturday, one Mountainside resident told Patch that the town of Mountainside is still without power, and power lines and trees are still down from Monday night.

This resident included photos of the damages at the corner of Sawmill Road and Cherry Hill Road near the Deerfield Elementary School and baseball fields, which are included with this update.

Have any updates for us about your power situation, road closures, downed trees and wires in Mountainside? Comment below or send your information to caitlin.mahon@patch.com, and we'll add them here!

Borough

On Wednesday, Patch published the following information regarding power restoration for Mountainside residents:

Police Captain Richard Osieja said it could be 3 to 5 days before PSE&G — the company that serves the majority of the borough — restores power to affected residents.

“They tell you 3 to 5 days,” he said. “But from my experience and from looking at it, I would expect it to be at least 5 days or more.”

Osieja said he would venture to say that most, if not all, of Mountainside is without power.

“PSE&G covers almost all of Mountainside except for the very top of Mountainside, when you get to the top of Summit Road and along Summit Lane, which borders the Summit/Springfield area. That is JCP&L,” he said. “Our center of town does not have power. Our residential areas do not have power. Our highway does not have power. Our gas stations are out. We’re running into a problem with getting gas for the municipal cars so we were able to work out an agreement with the county where we can go over to the county DPW garage and gas up there, which is in Westfield.”

For any residents who need to charge their cell phones, a charging station is set up at Mountainside Borough Hall.

“The fire department hooked up a generator outside the Court Room window, which is also our Council Chambers, and they were able to set up electricity in there for people to charge their cell phones,” he said.

Important Messages From Captain Osieja

1. Stay at home unless it’s an emergency

“We just wish that people, unless they absolutely have to be out, stay off the roadways so it leaves it free for us to move around and clean up the debris,” Osieja said. “It’s kind of difficult when you have so many people out, who are just sightseeing, riding around, looking at damage and what not. I don’t know if people are getting stir crazy from being in the house, but it does make it harder for us.”

2. If you must go out, please drive slowly

“If they could just slow it down a little bit,” Osieja said. “We’re out at some of these scenes where trees are down and it seems like people almost speed up when they see you because they want to get by or they think you’re going to close the road on them,” he explained. “It is a safety issue out there for the firemen, the DPW workers and the police officers.”

3. All Mountainside schools will be closed Thursday, Nov. 1 and Friday, Nov. 2. Governor Livingston High School is also closed Thursday. Closure for Friday will be determined on Thursday.

4. There is no word yet on whether or not Halloween Trick-or-Treating will be rescheduled for another date in Mountainside.

5. The only business open in Mountainside at this time is Publick House, located at Mountain Avenue and New Providence Road.

Schools

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

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.

BERKELEY HEIGHTS UPDATE

Township / Gas

The following is a letter to residents from Mayor Joe Bruno, which was published on the township’s website on Friday night:

Dear Residents,

As of tonight there are still 1460 residence or about 30 percent without power. Below is the progress that was made today. About 1,000 residences were repowered today. The Office of Emergency Management will be active all weekend until all streets are cleared and all power is restored.

Town hall and the YMCA will be available to the public as a charging station until power is restored.

The Governor has set this Monday, Nov. 5 as Halloween and Tuesday, Nov. 6 is Election Day. All regular polling places will be open from 6 am to 8 pm. See progress report for 11/2 below.

Best Regards,

Joseph G Bruno

Mayor, Township of Berkeley Heights, NJ

The following is the Nov. 2 progress report for returning our Township back to normal:

Sewer Department: The Sewer Department received 500 gallons of diesel fuel from Union County Public Works for continued emergency generator operation. As of 7:00 pm this evening power has been restored to the Sewer Plant.

Remaining Township roads that have issues:

• Lee Lane - blocked due to down utility pole
• Countryside Dr/Middle Way - blocked due to down utility pole
• Cambridge Dr/Mountain Ave - blocked due to power line
• 95 Hillside Ave - blocked due to down utility pole
• 198 Hillside Ave - blocked due to down utility pole

Facility's still without power:

• Summit Medical Group
• Governor Livingston High School
• Connell Complex's
• Loreal
• Lifetime

JCP&L restored power to the following roads today:

• Springfield Avenue
• Spring Ridge Dr
• Harding
• Coolidge Dr
• Shadow Lane
• Riverbend Rd
• Station St
• Lincoln St
• Washington St
• Lawrence Dr
• Scott Ave

Tree clearing crews opened up the following roads that had power line involvement:

• 19 Robbins Ave
• 28 Berkshire
• 60 Orion Rd

Police Chief Michael Mathis sent out a reverse 9-1-1 phone message to residents on Friday night, stating that Gov. Christie signed an executive order, rescheduling Halloween for this Monday, Nov. 5, 2012. Mathis is asking that anyone out trick-or-treating be extra careful.

“Please be careful when walking around trick-or-treating because there are tree branches on private property that could fall at any time as well as downed trees that will still remain,” he said. “Please bring a flashlight and do not run in yards.”

Council Chambers of Town Hall will be left open this weekend as a warming center and charging station for all residents still without power, Mathis said.

“We’re had police officers posted at each gas station in Berkeley Heights during this gas crisis, assisting traffic control and keeping the peace,” Mathis said. “If anyone has had a problem with another person while waiting for gas, don’t take it into your own hands. Please dial 9-1-1 and let us deal with it. We will handle it.”

Mathis said that due to the massive amounts of debris from the storm, there will be a special chipping program that will begin this Monday, Nov. 5, 2012. Only branches should be placed curbside. 

“Remember, if there are wires near any of the branches, leave them alone because all wires should be treated as if they are live,” Mathis said. “Go to the township website for details.”

Mathis said many residents are still without power and the township emergency declaration is still in effect.

“JCP&L and their contractors have many trucks throughout the town,” he said. “They are working hard to restore power to the best of their ability. Please do not drive if you do not have to so you can save gas.”

Mathis said he has placed extra patrols on duty each night, who have identified the areas of town without power.

“We’re making extra patrols in those areas as well as other areas throughout the town,” he said. “If you need anything, please do not hesitate to call us.

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.

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.

Special Chipping Program

Here is more specific information regarding the Special Chipping Program from the Department of Public Works:

Due to the severity of the damage from the recent storm, our regularly scheduled Leaf Collection Program will be suspended so that our DPW crews can clear our roads of debris from the recent storm.

We will be implementing a Special Chipping Program which will begin on Monday, November 5, 2012. We are asking that residents have all their brush for pick up to be out by the morning of Monday, November 5th provided this can be accomplished without touching any downed wires. If you have any branches or other debris in contact with a wire it is advised that you treat the wire as live and refrain from moving the debris until the power company or other qualified professional removes the wire.

Due to the quantity of the debris that is anticipated, as well as the likelihood of winter weather related delays, it is impossible for us to provide an accurate schedule for the collection of the storm debris, however, it is our goal to complete this Special Chipping Program by Friday, December 14, 2012. We will not be adhering to the traditional routes posted in previous schedules in order to allow our crews the flexibility to address critical areas first, such as areas near schools, hospitals, and public facilities. We ask for your continued patience and understanding while our DPW works to complete this Special Chipping Program as quickly as possible.

We will be making only one pass through the Town, and absolutely no brush will be collected once a section is completed. Residents are advised that there will be no more than one pick‐up per household. There will be No Exceptions to this policy, as our crews must also resume their normal duties.

Brush should be placed in neat piles at curbside with large diameter cut‐ends towards the street. The largest size branches shall be limited to four (4) inches in diameter. Short branches under two (2) feet in length will not be accepted. Lumber, building materials, leaves, roots, stumps, briars, vines, decayed branches and other debris which can damage the chipper will not be accepted. Material of this nature will be left for your disposal. Residents are advised to place at curbside only the wood items listed above. There have been instances where metal items such as posts, wire and metal bands were found mixed with the brush. This can cause severe injury to employees and damage to equipment. Should metal be found, the pile will be rejected.

Residents will be responsible for the timely removal of all debris that does not meet the criteria specified above, or that is placed at the curb after our crews have picked up debris in front of their homes.

Residents must also be advised that if there is a significant snowfall that covers the piles of debris to be chipped, our crews will not be able to safely handle the material to be chipped, therefore, the program would have to be suspended. The Township is happy to provide this service however, as stated previously, it will hinder our normal activities. For this reason, any material that can be disposed of privately would enable us to complete this Special Chipping Program and re