Township News: Middletown Prepared for Winter Storm

From Middletown Public Info:
January 20, 2016

With a potential snow storm on deck this weekend, it’s time to prepare for winter weather.

“Middletown is ready to face what may be the first major snow storm of the season,” said Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger, Ph.D. “The township has 153 pieces of equipment at its disposal to clear snow from more than 650 lane miles of road.”

The fleet includes 83 township plows, brining machines, sanders, and other heavy equipment. The township can put more equipment on the road this year thanks to the recent acquisition of several army surplus vehicles at no cost. The other 70 plows are provided by local contractors who augment township snow removal efforts as needed.

Township crews will begin pre-treating roads with brine, salt and sand as early as Thursday. All emergency personnel will be on standby as the storm advances as well, said Township Administrator Anthony P. Mercantante.

The storm has the potential to bring high wind and heavy precipitation with it. In the event that streets flood, do not drive around barricades or attempt to drive through standing water. Seek alternate routes, said Mercantante.

High tides of particular concern include those at 7:00 am and 7:30 pm on Saturday, January 23rd. Keep in mind a full moon tide is anticipated this weekend.

Meanwhile, Middletown Township asks that residents make preparations as well. “We encourage residents to prepare, plan and stay informed about the current weather situation,” said Mayor Scharfenberger.

STAY INFORMED by registering to receive emergency alerts from Middletown Township. Residents can register through the town website at www.middletownnj.org/register. Alerts and updates are sent by text and e-mail. Residents need to register their cell phone to receive voice messages on their cells. Be sure to include a home or local address since messages are sometimes sent based on geographic location. Registration is not necessary to receive voice messages via landline phone.

Updates will also be posted on the township website (www.middletownnj.org/alerts) the township television station (Comcast Channel 20 and Verizon Channel 26), Middletown Emergency Radio 1620 AM, Facebook at middletownnjtownhall, Twitter at middletownnj and Nixle (nixle.com)

Residents should prepare for the upcoming storm now, said Emergency Management Coordinator Charles Rogers.

Secure your property. Remove upright portable basketball nets from streets, put away outdoor decorations and other items that could be affected by high winds and heavy precipitation. Clear and debris away from storm drains allowing water to flow properly.

Residents in low-lying areas are reminded to move vehicles to higher ground. Residents can park vehicles at the Middletown train station.

Assemble Kit of Emergency Supplies that includes batteries, a flashlight, radio, first-aid kit, medications, food and water to last three or more days, can opener, cooking tools, and toiletries.

Residents should also have an EMERGENCY PLAN in place. Know your evacuation routes. In addition, your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan a way to contact one another, such as enlisting the help of a third party in another state as a contact, and review what you will do in different situations, Rogers said.

Residents with home generators need to be aware that they must be placed at least 20 feet away from any habitable structure when they are in use for safety reasons. Now is also a good time to start up the generator and make it is in working order, he said. It is also a good idea to have extra fuel stored in the appropriate containers on hand.

Please remember to limit 9-1-1 calls to emergencies only. In the event of power outages that do not involve hazardous conditions, contact JCP&L directly at 1-888-LIGHTSS (544-4877).

Middletown OEM works closely with the School District, Monmouth County, federal, state and local partners to prepare for virtually all hazards, natural or manmade, that could affect New Jersey’s families, communities and businesses.

Visit www.ready.nj.gov for more preparedness information