Post-Sandy 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

As of November 5, 2012 at 12:30 p.m., 53% of Springfield Jersey Central Power & Light customers are still affected by power outages and approximately 3,452 have been restored.  Springfield officials will continue to work diligently to return our community to normalcy until all power is restored.

The Township does not supply the electricity but serves as an advocate for the residents and businesses and we are exhausting all options.  Restoration and work in particular areas does not appear to be based on any priority or location.  No area is intentionally being neglected or preferred and no one has been “forgotten” or “ignored”.  We've provided JCP&L lists with downed lines, poles and wires and we've submitted priority lists for government buildings and schools.  The restoration process is solely up to JCP&L - they dispatch crews.  Repeated persistent requests for more location-specific information have been made but it has not been provided by the utility.

The most recent information provided Jersey Central Power & Light Restoration Estimates for Springfield by date:

November 5 - 2254, November 6 - 618, November 7 – 305

November 8 – 228, November 9 - 127, November 10 – 83

As soon as more details are provided, they will be announced.

• Considering the circumstances, the Township is making resources available to residents who need it.  The Chisholm Community Center (100 South Springfield Avenue) serves as a Recharge & Warming Station.  It will also be used as an information center and is available for all residents as an overnight shelter.  Because there are still widespread outrages and colder temperatures, please consider utilizing this valuable resource.  Free ice and water is available and we are also able to obtain meals for anyone in need.  Please check up on the needs of friends and neighbors.
• There are still many downed lines and trees.  As the utility infrastructure is slowly repaired, the risks and dangers of potential live wires remain.  Safety is of the utmost concern so Halloween activities are still suspended – a date for coordinated Halloween festivities will be announced.
• Municipal operations have resumed as regularly scheduled but municipal offices will be closed on Election Day as always.
• Elections will occur on Tuesday, November 6th in Springfield.  The most current information available from the Union County Clerk designates the following polling locations will be open for voting from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.:
• Districts 1 – 4 vote at Sarah Bailey Civic Center (30 Church Mall)
• Districts 5 – 9 vote at Florence M. Gaudineer School (75 South Springfield Avenue)
• District 10 – 14 vote at Thelma L. Sandmeier School (666 South Springfield Avenue)
  • Residents seeking medication refills who are unable to obtain scripts from their MD can bring empty bottles to Springfield CVS (178 Morris Avenue).  These locations will provide a temporary refill even if not previous clients.
  • If appropriate, register with FEMA Disaster Recovery at 1-800-621-FEMA or www.disasterassistance.gov.
  • Residents can call 2-1-1 for any general storm related question.  This hotline is being manned as a general hotline 24/7 until further notice.  Residents can also use this hotline for any health or public health question as state health department staff will be available on weekdays from 8am—8pm and on weekends from 9am—5pm.

The Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Scott Seidel and Deputy Coordinator Wally Schultz and Mayor Ziad Andrew Shehady are available by calling 973-376-1082 during normal business hours.