Crime & Safety

Township: More Trees Downed Than in Irene

Morris Township officials urge caution, say help is available for those who need it.

At least when you hear "hurricane," you know it's supposed to be bad.

Morris Township officials said Sunday night that this weekend's snowstorm—which may have coated as many pumpkins as it did power lines—downed even more trees than Hurricane Irene did.

JCP&L was still reporting at least 3,000 lines down, the township noted in a statement Sunday evening. The utility company says it may be several days before power is restored in many northern New Jersy communities.

Find out what's happening in Morris Township-Morris Plainswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But Mayor Scott Rosenbush and the township committee are in regular contact with the utility company, and expect to be providing updates as informaiton becomes available, they said.

According to the latest information provided to the township, 275,000 people without power in northwestern New Jersey.

Find out what's happening in Morris Township-Morris Plainswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"JCP&L has promised to provide Morris Township with an expected restoration schedule for Morris Township (and all other affected towns) [Monday] morning," the township officials said. "We will communicate this information once we receive it.  Based on the information they have available today JCP&L is expecting that 95 percent of their customers will be restored by Thursday with the balance by Friday."

The Morris Township Police Department warned via the Nixle service that Sussex Avenue was closed between Raynor Road and Gaston Road. West Hanover Avenue was closed between Junard and Raynor Roads.

"Expect major delays [Monday] morning," it said.

Residents can report other road closures and outages via our storm tracker: Hundreds of area residents have been keeping each other informed on new developments through our comments section.

Township officials urged safety first in their message Sunday night, stressing all downed power lines should be considered live.

"Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with," they said. Morris Plains police issued a similar warning over the weekend.

To report a downed wire and other visible equipment damage, call 1-888-LIGHTSS (including the second S).

The Morris School District is closed for Monday, and the Morris Plains district is on a 90-minute delay.

Police Commissioner Bruce Sisler and Police Chief Dennis Reilly were also encouraging parents to not permit their children to trick or treat door to door Monday evening.

"There are many downed wires that may not be visible at night. With many residences without power and tree and limbs down across yards if could make this ritual hazardous," the township officials said in the message. "If you have an organized neighborhood trick-or-treat program please make sure there are no wires down on your route—otherwise move or cancel it.  Like you we believe the safety of our children is more important than costumes and candy."

The township officials also urged residents to check in on elderly neighbors to see ff they're OK, and if they need blankets or assistance. They said residents can contact local officials at 973-539-0777 if assistance is needed.

An area shelter has been opened at the (200 South St.) for anyone who needs shelter or does not feel safe at home.

Residents who need to recharge cell phones or other electronic devices can do so 24 hours a day at Collinsville Fire House and Mount Kemble Fire House, and during the day at Woodland Fire House, Hillside Fire House, Fairchild Fire House and the .

Officials said residents should not try to use gas ovens or range to heat room, as the appliances can deplete oxygen from the air, causing asphyxiation or deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.  They also urged residents to be cautious when using space heaters.


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