UPDATE 10:45PM: Hundreds Still Without Power 12 Days After Sandy

Editor's note: To read our updates from Saturday - Monday, which are not included below, click here: http://patch.com/A-zp55 You can also view updates from Tuesday here: http://patch.com/A-ztt1 Updates from Wednesday are included below.

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

UPDATE: Friday, 10:45 p.m.

Here are the latest outage numbers from the JCP&L power outage map, as of 10:30 p.m. Friday. (We've also included the outage numbers from JCP&L, reported at 9 p.m. Wednesday):

• New Providence — 485 (was 1,112)
• Berkeley Heights — 718 (was 842)
• Mountainside — 0 (was 0)

Here are outages numbers in nearby communities as of 10:30 p.m. Friday. (We've also included the outage numbers from JCP&L, reported at 9 p.m. Wednesday):

• Summit — 2,179 (was 2,068)
• Chatham Township — 341 (was 1,438)
• Chatham Borough — 402 (was 448)
• Long Hill Township — 1,096 (was 1,238)
• Springfield — 1,943 (was 2,262)
• Warren — 1,181 (was 1,941)

MOUNTAINSIDE UPDATE

According to an alert received through the Union County First Alert System, PSE&G asks any Mountainside residents who are still without power to please call them at 800-436-7734.

According to a PSE&G outage map, between 1 and 500 households in Mountainside are still without power. (According to a chart received from PSE&G on Tuesday, 1,088 Mountainside residents were still without power. While Patch didn't receive specific outage numbers for Mountainside on Wednesday, the PSE&G outage map said between 501 and 2,000 residents were without power.)

The following updates were published on the Borough of Mountainside's website:

November 9, 2012

To all Mountainside Residents;

We would like to thank many of you for your patience and kind words during this tumultuous time. 

Please be advised that as of last night, Borough Hall has been fully restored and any and all communications are back in operation, as they were periodically disrupted.

As an update, PSE&G has advised us that all power will be restored on or before Sunday, Nov. 11.

Crews are currently working on many areas, however if your area is powered but not your neighbor, or your home, please call PSE&G, 1-800-436-7734 to report the outage.  Daily conference calls with PSE&G has been suspended, therefore please report directly to PSE&G.

Beechwood School has received power and should be at full normal operation for Monday, Nov. 12.  Please look for your normal alerts from Honeywell for further information.

Collection Drop off for Sandy Relief Donations;

Saturday, Nov. 10; Sunday, Nov. 11; and Monday, Nov. 12

Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 300 Central Ave.

Pollard Hall

We are collecting the following items to be distributed to many storm battered communities;

Garbage Bags, Paper Goods, Batteries, Cleaning Supplies, Canned Good, Bottled Water, Diapers, Baby Items, Baby Wipes, Blankets,

Coats, Hats, Scarves, Gloves, Personal Hygiene, Socks, Warm Clothing

Thank you and be well.

Mayor and Council

November 8, 2012

To Mountainside Residents:

To date we have had several residents receive power.  PSE&G has had at least six (6) crews feverishly working in our area today, as we hope and trust we will see additional homes receive power on over the next couple of days.  Unfortunately, we cannot give exact numbers as PSE&G simply does not know.

Please know that our Council President, Borough Administrator, Chief of Police, and Director of Public Works, have been in constant contact with PSE&G.  Furthermore, they have even been in contact with the State Senator, Local Assembly and the Representative of Union County.

We understand your frustration and appreciate your patience during the relief efforts.  Please continue to check on your neighbors and report any/all concerns to the MPD, (908) 232-8100.

Mayor and Council

November 7, 2012

To Mountainside Residents:

Due to the storm, current fourth (4th) quarter taxes have been extended and due on or before November 20th.  All penalties will begin November 21st.

We will be back to our regular schedule December 1st.

Be well and be safe.

Mayor and Council

NEW PROVIDENCE UPDATE

The following is an update from the New Providence Office of Emergency Management, received on Friday evening:

We have made great strides yesterday and today in restoring power to almost our entire community. Power crews reattached main power supplies on South Street near Mountain Avenue late yesterday afternoon restoring power to over 300 homes in the Murray Hill section of our community. Today, power crews have been working in the northeastern portion of town and we are anticipating power to be restored to that area within the next couple of hours. We still have small pockets of homes where poles are still down and we have been advised they will be addressed late today or tomorrow.

We have been assured that the crews that have been working in our community, will remain until all power has been restored.

We were advised by our Fire Chief that due to the lengthy power outage, residents should replace all smoke detectors and CO detector batteries.

The message below was received from JCP&L regarding household service reconnects:

Tips for Customers Requesting Service Reconnections

Thousands of Jersey Central Power & Light customers sustained significant damage to their homes and businesses as a result of Hurricane Sandy. As repairs are completed, customers will need to have their service reconnected.

Here are some tips and information to make the reconnection process easier.

1. There are dedicated Service Crews handling reconnection work.
2. Residents should have a licensed electrician make repairs to their homes.
3. If the customer has a functioning electrical service entrance, including the meter – JCP&L will complete the service reconnection.
4. If the meter was removed due to severe damage or flooding – JCP&L will install a new meter after the service is repaired by a qualified electrician and inspected by a state inspector.
5. The inspector will provide certification that the work has been done properly, and will fax the cut-in card to (888) 914-9140.
6. The inspector will attach a sticker with the inspection date on the meter pan.
7. Customers should have their home address or account number when calling the company to request reconnection.
8. Because of the volume of requests, it could take a few days for service to be reconnected.

To schedule a service reconnection, customers should call 1-800-662-3115.

We are hoping all of our residents will get power restored today or tomorrow. We recognize how difficult it has been for those families who have been without power for so long. We thank you all for you patience in this difficult time and commend you for your sense of community in helping each other get through the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

The following was published on the borough's website, newprov.org:

Residents are asked, where possible, to use the regular Monday Brush Collection program, which will continue through Dec. 3 and the special Saturday, Nov. 10 pick-up.

Brush should be no larger than 4 feet in length and 4 inches in diameter and either bundled or put in containers at the curb for collection.

A special pick-up for storm related debris (branches, logs and stumps) too extensive for containers or bundling will be provided beginning on Monday, Nov. 12.

The following guidelines must be followed for collection to occur:

● Debris must be placed neatly at the curb line of your property.
● Branches must be removed from tree trunks.
● Logs must be less than 6 feet in length.
● Items may not be commingled. Branches, logs and stumps must be in separate piles.
● Do not mix storm debris with leaves.

Collection crews will begin on Monday, Nov. 12 and will provide collection for each street in the borough once.

Crews will not return once the collection has been completed on that street.

The followinig was published on the borough's website about how residents can share their views on JCP&L's restoration response:

We understand the frustration that many residents have regarding the lengthy repair times and lack of information from JCP&L. Although local officials maintain regular contact with JCP&L and demand restoration of vital services, the decision about resource deployment rests solely with JCP&L.

Borough officials are unable to influence when or how JCP&L restores electrical service. Equally frustrating for local officials is that the only information we have is what is provided on the JCP&L website or through our government representative. In both cases, specific information about restoration dates or locations is not provided.

The Borough encourages you to share your views about JCP&L response and/or restoration efforts. Please contact the entity that regulates the utility companies; State of New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Division of Customer Assistance. The Division handles verbal, written and e-mail complaints, as well as in-person office interviews and other information inquiries.

Customers may contact the Division with complaints regarding service delays, lack of service, appliance repairs, discontinuance of service, payment arrangements, high bills, deposit requests, and incurred rates/high rates.

Emergency assistance is also available for gas leaks, fallen wires and water main breaks.

Please log onto http://www.state.nj.us/bpu/assistance/complaints/ for complete information on filing a complaint. In addition, the President of the BPU is Robert M. Hanna, Esquire. He can be reached at:

President Robert M. Hanna, Esquire
44 South Clinton Avenue
P.O. Box 350
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0350
Assistant: Diane Hewitt (609) 777-3310

BERKELEY HEIGHTS UPDATE

The following was published on the Berkeley Heights School District's website:

I am pleased to inform you that power and heat have been restored to GLHS. All schools and food services will operate on their normal schedules beginning Monday, Nov. 12.

Please be advised that school streets are safe. Recovery efforts continue throughout the towns of Berkeley Heights and Mountainside. Transportation will be provided but be aware that some areas may be compromised. Please understand that route times may be impacted. Anyone in these compromised areas should make arrangements to transport their child to school.

Here is a list of compromised streets as of Nov. 9, 2012:

• Greenbrook Road — wires across roadway
• 104 Orion Rd. — low hanging wire
• 27, 39 Berkshire Dr. — very low hanging wires
• Cambridge Drive — closed
• 55 Southview Dr. — road blocked
• 36 Riceman Rd. — low wire
• Countryside Drive — blocked
• 128 Kline Blvd. — wire
• Station Street — closed between Garfield and Lincoln Streets
• 49 Baker Ave. — wires
• 107 Hillside Ave. — road blocked
• 198 Hillside Ave. — road blocked
• Mountain Avenue, West of Orion Road — lines down on sidewalk

Thank you for your assistance and I appreciate all of your cooperation and the collective effort made this week to education the students of Berkeley Heights and Mountainside.

UPDATE: Wednesday, 9:45 p.m.

Thousands of residents in New Providence, Berkeley Heights and Mountainside are still without power on Wednesday night, 10 days after Hurricane Sandy hit our area. On top of that, Nor'easter Athena has officially arrived and may cause even more power outages through tomorrow.

Here are the latest outage numbers from the JCP&L power outage map, as of 9:00 p.m. Wednesday. (We've also included the outage numbers from JCP&L, reported at 2:50 p.m. Tuesday):

• New Providence — 1,112 (was 1,408)
• Berkeley Heights — 842 (was 1,035)
• Mountainside — 0 (was 76)

Here are outages numbers in nearby communities as of 9:00 p.m. Wednesday. (We've also included the outage numbers from JCP&L, reported at 2:50 p.m. Tuesday):

• Summit — 2,068 (was 2,664)
• Chatham Township — 1,438 (was 2,014)
• Chatham Borough — 448 (was 608)
• Long Hill Township — 1,238 (was 1,677)
• Springfield — 2,262 (was 2,924)
• Warren — 1,941 (was 2,303)

According to a chart received from PSE&G on Tuesday, 1,088 Mountainside residents were still without power. While Patch didn't receive specific outage numbers for Mountainside today, the PSE&G outage map says between 501 and 2,000 residents are without power.

NEW PROVIDENCE UPDATE

Here's an update from the New Providence Office of Emergency Management from 7:30 p.m. Wednesday:

The JCP&L website is reporting approximately 1,140 NP customers without power, expecting full restoration by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 11.

Latest weather forecast predictions are 3-5 inches of snow accumulation by morning. The NP shelter remains open for those in need at the NP Borough Hall, Academy Street entrance.

Gladstone, Morris and Essex transit rail lines remain suspended. Fanwood and Westfield are the closest rail stations since the Raritan Valley line is in operation.

Transit buses are operating from the Summit Train Station. Lakeland bus services in New Providence are still suspended. Lakeland buses to NY leaving Summit at Broad St. and Maple Street, and from the Summit Park and Ride, #2 Springfield Avenue. Lakeland buses begin daily departure from Summit at 6:20 a.m.

Please dial (908) 665-1111 for general police assistance, and 911 for all emergencies. Thank you.

The following information was published on the New Providence School District:

ALL DISTRICT SCHOOLS ARE NOW OPEN

• All district schools will be in session, Tuesday through Friday, November 6th through November 9th, with regular day schedules.
• Lunch is available once again at all schools.
• Parent Teacher Conferences at Salt Brook and Roberts have been postponed until further notice.

REMINDER: Schools will be open Thursday & Friday, Nov 8th & 9th.

BERKELEY HEIGHTS UPDATE

Fire Chief and OEM Coordinator Anthony Padovano said Nor’easter Athena could bring wind gusts as high as 50 mph.

“Tonight and overnight, into Thursday, we may see sleet and some snow accumulations in the 1 to 3 inch range,” Padovano said in a reverse 9-1-1 message on Wednesday. “We again encourage all residents without power to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, who may need assistance.”

Padovano also said if any residents have damaged electrical service lines from the utility pole to their house connection, the power company officials are recommending those residents contact a licensed electrician to make a damage assessment and repairs to the house side only.

“For township residents who are still without power, the Red Cross has set up an overnight shelter and warming center at Bernards High School, 25 Olcott Street in Bernardsville,” Padovano said.” Food and cots are available.”

Padovano said if any residents need transportation to the shelter, please call (908) 464-0550 ext. 13.

“As mentioned in earlier notifications, Town Hall remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as a warming center and to charge your cell phone or other electronic device,” he said.

The following FAQ from Mayor Joe Bruno was published on the township's website:

Have you spoken with the Governor’s office? 

Yes, on a daily basis and also to Legislators, Members of Congress. They are well aware of the of our situation in Berkeley Heights.

Have you been in touch with JCP&L?

Yes, too many times per day.

Why don’t you have more accurate numbers?

Because JCP&L doesn’t have accurate numbers. What they give me I send out to you.

When will I get power back?

If I knew and it was accurate than I would share it immediately.

The following was published on the Berkeley Heights School District website:

Due to weather conditions, school will be closed on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 8 for students in grades 6 through 8 and grades 11 and 12. 

All students in grades Pre-K through grade 5 and grades 9 and 10 should report for the afternoon session adhering to the split session schedule implemented for this week. 

Grades 9-10 will report to CMS and meet blocks E, F, G, H.

There will be no transportation or lunch times scheduled on Thursday, November 8th.

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 not report, nor staff that had been assigned to those students

-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

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.

UNION COUNTY UPDATE

The following was received through the Union County First Alert system:

Generators are used in a wide variety of weather conditions, but they should be sheltered from the elements. Protection for the unit must be provided in a manner that does not impede the needed air flow for cooling both the engine and generator head.

Keep at least 5 feet of clearance on all sides of the generator including overhead with the shelter in place. Failure to properly shelter the unit could lead to the generator shorting out.

Residents are reminded that generators should be sheltered OUTSIDE occupied buildings and dwellings. They should NEVER be placed indoors.

Residents who need to stay overnight in a shelter can call the non-emergency phone number of their local police department to find out if space is available in their community.

The Union County Regional Evacuation Center in Cranford is also available for overnight shelter or for a place to warm up during the day. County personnel have been working with the Red Cross to staff the shelter, and the Salvation Army has provided cooked meals.

The shelter is located at the Cranford Community Center at 220 Walnut Ave. Persons planning to stay overnight should call ahead at 908-709-7283 (press “2” for the shelter representative).

Read more updates from the County here: http://newprovidence.patch.com/articles/county-officials-urge-safety-as-next-storm-approaches

STATE UPDATE

A nor’easter set to strike New Jersey Wednesday may cool the state’s post-Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts for a time, Gov. Chris Christie warned.

“We may take a setback in the next 24 hours. You need to be prepared for that,” Christie said during a press conference at Long Beach Island Wednesday morning.

Power outages may increase during the storm, which is set to bring a heavy, wet snow and wind gusts as high as 55 mph to the state.

However, the governor was hopeful the pause in recovery efforts would be brief. He noted 11,000 utility workers remain in the state and the clear weekend forecast would allow the recovery push to continue in earnest.

Read more here: http://newprovidence.patch.com/articles/christie-nor-east-may-be-a-setback-for-sandy-recovery

HERE'S AN UPDATE FROM ORGANIZATION RESOURCES:

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE: Governor Chris Christie is pleased to offer small business owners the opportunity to join Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), New Jersey Economic Development Authority and New Jersey Business Action Center senior officials for a conference call on the federal and state government's efforts to help small businesses and homeowners recover from Hurricane Sandy. Officials will provide updates and answer questions about assistance and support to states affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, ensuring the federal family and its public and private partners continue to provide all available resources to support state, local, territorial and tribal communities in affected areas.

 WHAT: New Jersey Economic Development Authority, FEMA, SBA and New Jersey Business Action Center senior officials update call with local, small business owners and officials on Sandy relief efforts.

 WHEN: Thursday, November 8 at 2 p.m. ET

 DIAL IN: Dial-in: 1-888-621-9649; Event number: 411483

This will specifically deal with SMALL BUSINESSES ASSISTANCE.

MORE SMALL BUSINESS NEWS: If you know of a small business that needs working capital to restore its post-storm operations, a microloan may be the answer. 

UCEDC is prepared to expedite loan applications of up to $15,000 to help meet immediate storm recovery needs.    

They are committed to providing a decision within two weeks of receiving a completed application.  UCEDC loans carry no prepayment penalty, so balances may be paid off with insurance proceeds, if desired.

Contact info:
908-527-1166 or www.ucedc.com.

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

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

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.

SUMMIT MEDICAL GROUP: Most Summit Medical Group facilities are now open, including the main campus in Berkeley Heights. Check their website for any exceptions. http://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/

COUNTY INFORMATION: The following is a general update on Union County Parks programs and facilities: 

 Watchung Stables:The facility has reopened for Mounted Troop, Riding Lessons and regular office hours.  Today, Wednesday, November 7, Troop is cancelled due to the weather.  Bridle trails remain closed for public and private trail riders.   

Trailside Nature & Science Center:The facility has reopened for regular business hours, from 12-5 PM Daily.  All children's workshops will be held, including "Toddler Time," "Two of Us," "Small Fry Days," "Afterschool Explorations" and "Trailside Explorers."   The following programs scheduled at Trailside, or Masker's Barn are cancelled due ongoing storm related issues:  Saturday, November 10, "Craft Day at the Barn" for adults and "Crafty Afternoon at the Barn" for families.  

Warinanco Skating Center:The facility is closed and all programs and ice rentals are cancelled through Thursday, November 8.  At that time, facility and park conditions will be reassessed to determine program status for Friday, November 9.  Hockey Clinics and Ice Skating Lessons have been rescheduled to begin November 9-11, pending park & facility conditions at that time.  

Athletic Field, Picnic Area & Special Event Reservations: For safety reasons, all Union County Park Athletic Field, Picnic and Special Event Permits are cancelled until further notice.  

Pumpkin Sail and Hay Ride & Campfire: The Pumpkin Sail postponed from November 1 due to Hurricane Sandy, and the Hay Ride and Campfire scheduled for Friday, November 9, have been cancelled due to power outages and park conditions resulting from the storm. Ticket holders for both events will receive vouchers for refunds.

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.