Emergency Post-Sandy Stability & Recovery Information Bulletin

The Springfield Township Committee, municipal officials and volunteers are distributing the following bulletin throughout Springfield.  Information will posted on the Township website at http://www.springfield-nj.us and my personal website at http://411.shehady.us

The Township continues to communicate with federal, state, county and other surrounding towns to best coordinate resources and assets.  Township leaders hold daily meetings at the Emergency Operations Center with critical officials to identify needs of residents and businesses.  All requests are being expedited through the Office of Emergency Management channels upwards.  The President and Governor have reassured New Jersey that nationwide coordination is underway to return us to normalcy.  Your patience is appreciated.  Please be aware of the following updates:

• JCP&L has reported 94% of households in Springfield are without power. This may not be an accurate estimate so all power outages should be reported by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS.  Restoration is estimated to take at least 7 days.
• Travel ban restrictions in Springfield have been lifted, however, be aware of downed electrical lines and falling trees while driving and be mindful that fuel is in short supply, so conserve!
• Property tax payments due date has been extended to November 20th.
• All public schools and municipal offices will be closed the rest of this week.
• Water use limitations and restrictions are in effect statewide, so conserve water!
• Private garbage collection has resumed for November 1st and November 2nd. 
• Department of Public Works crews are working sunrise to sunset.  They have cleared most major critical tree damage in addition to countless other downed trees that are expected to be addressed in next 2-3 days.
• Be cautious of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning while using portable generators.  Avoid electrical hazards; only heavy duty extension cords should be used.  Avoid fire hazards by turning off generator to let it cool down before starting.
• Elections will occur on Tuesday, November 6th.  The Secretary of State is rolling out directives to support elections so voting information will be announced.  Union County Clerk will open offices in Elizabeth and Westfield on Saturday, November 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sunday November 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for voters seeking last-minute Vote-By-Mail ballots.  The office in Elizabeth at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Room 113, and the office in Westfield at 300 North Avenue East, will be open as a public service for those voters who choose the Vote-By-Mail option for the Election to be held on Tuesday, November 6.
• The Township has established Community Recharge and Warming Stations at the Sarah Bailey Civic Center (30 Church Mall off Morris Avenue) and at the First Aid Squad (10 North Trivett).  These centers rely on volunteers but they are planned to open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily.  A temporary shuttle service to take senior citizens to the stations is available on a limited basis.  Please call Pat Imbriale at 917-797-4402 for scheduling.

• Individuals who are interested in volunteering to assist in recovery efforts, please call Geri Bujnowski (908-370-2318) or Deputy Mayor Jerry Fernandez (908-868-0898).
• Any non-emergency issues should be reported to the Police Department by calling 973-376-0400
• If appropriate, register with FEMA Disaster Recovery at 1-800-621-FEMA.
• The Office of Emergency Management and Mayor Ziad Andrew Shehady are available by calling 973-376-1082.

Visit the Township’s website at www.springfield-nj.us for updated information and more resources.