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Winter Storm Tips & Information
Residents are reminded that parking on the street during a snow emergency is prohibited. Vehicles parked on the street are subject to a summons and being towed. Depositing or throwing snow onto the street is also prohibited; do not shovel, plow or otherwise place snow onto the roadway. Do not place garbage and recycling cans in the street. We realize this cleared area is an enticing location to place cans, but it creates a hazard as they could get hit by vehicles or taken away by snowplows. It is recommended that garbage cans be placed at least 3 to 5 feet off the edge of pavement, into your driveway, so they are out of the way of the snowplow or snow being pushed aside while the snowplow is going down the road.
For more information, please see the Bernards Township Snow Emergency Ordinance
Remember to check generators and snowblowers for proper operation before the storm begins. Always keep generators away from windows and doors and never operate them in enclosed spaces. Please also check in on your neighbors, especially the elderly or those that might need assistance. Don’t wait for your neighbor to need help to be a good friend.
Visit FEMA's winter weather preparation page for winter weather preparation and safety tips. Please remember the following:
- Report power outages and downed wires to JCP&L promptly. Always stay away from downed wires.
- Always operate generators outside and away from windows and doors.
- Stay off roads.
- Fully charge portable electronic devices.
- For weather updates see the National Weather Service's website or other reputable weather outlet.
Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L):
Customer Preparedness and Safety
JCP&L encourages customers to prepare for potential power outages associated with the storm.
- Charge mobile phones and backup batteries. Have car chargers, flashlights, and bottled water available. Stock nonperishable food and required medications.
- Never use gas stoves, kerosene heaters, or other open-flame heat sources to keep warm. These sources of heat can cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to build up in your home. Never use a portable generator inside the house or a closed garage.
- If you have a well water and septic, keep an emergency supply of bottled water and/or fill your bathtub with fresh water.
Preparation and Safety
What to Do if You Experience a Power Outage
Important Safety Reminders
Customers should stay away from fallen or sagging power lines, which must always be treated as energized. Any downed lines should be reported immediately to JCP&L and local emergency services.
Families affected by outages, especially those with medical needs or elderly members should make alternate shelter arrangements. Customers are encouraged to check with their local municipality or county for warming center locations during the winter weather event (Warming Centers in Bernards Township are the Town Hall/Municipal Building at 1 Collyer Ln & the Library at 32 S Maple Ave, when open. Rave Alerts will be sent when opening Warming Centers outside of normal business hours).
- JCP&L customers can subscribe to email and text message alert notifications to receive weather updates in advance of major storms and updates on scheduled or extended power outages. Visit www.firstenergycorp.com/connect to enroll.
- Follow JCP&L on Twitter @JCP_L, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JCPandL or online at www.jcp-l.com
Optimum:
Optimum is monitoring their network and will report any impacts to the system. In the event our services are impacted, customers can visit My Account for service updates. Customers can also check the Storm Center Outage Map for information on outages and estimated resolution timeframes.
You can also:
1. Message Optimum at optimum.net/chat
2. Send Tweet to @Optimumhelp
3. Call Optimum at (866) 950-3278
Many of the Optimum resources, as well as storm preparation recommendations and frequently asked questions, are also available at https://www.optimum.net/pages/storm-preparedness.html
PSE&G:
Report any natural gas leaks, disruptions or outages to PSE&G at 1-800-880-7734. Do not use a gas range or stove to heat your home. Residents can also visit PSE&G's storm safety page for more information and safety tips.
Verizon:
For Verizon outages contact their customer service at 1-800-VERIZON. Always stay away from downed wires.
New Jersey American Water Company:
Water problems such as water main breaks and leaking hydrants can be reported to NJAWC by calling 1-800-272-1325 or by using their online reporting page here.