Update: Hurricane Sandy Guide for Madison

The following information is copied from the RoseNet.org Hurricane Sandy page, which is expected to be updated over the next several days. Residents are encouraged to check it often.

For the latest statewide information, please see the New Jersey State Office of Emergency Management website.

The National Weather Service has prepared a guide for hurricane preparedness.

 ** PRINT THIS PAGE NOW, SO YOU HAVE THIS INFORMATION READILY AVAILABLE **

Please sign up for Nixle; Nixle will be used to provide timely updates regarding the storm and borough services. 

THE FOLLOWING NOTICE WAS ISSUED NOON ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 28.

PHONE NUMBERS TO CALL
1) EMERGENCIES: Call 911. Please reserve 911 for calls concerning bodily injury or other serious emergency.
2) Emergency Operations Center: Starting Monday at 6am, please call 973-408-8787 for sheltering needs, flooding, basement pump out, downed trees and other storm related issues.  If no response, please call the Madison Police Department non-emergency line at 973-593-3000.
3) Power Outage:  Call 973-966-7330.

PARKING
Overnight street parking is suspended until further notice. If you need an emergency location, you are permitted (at your own risk) to park your vehicle at the Community Pool parking lot.

GARBAGE
Garbage, recycling and yard waste have been suspended for Monday and Tuesday. Please do not put cans out.  The SUMMER collection schedule will be in place just for this Wednesday thru Saturday, so each resident gets at least one pick up this week.  Please refer to the 2012 Recycling Newsletter for information on districts and pickup dates.

LEAVES
Please REMOVE all leaves from the curb.  This will help minimize flooding.  Leaf piles at the curb can be temporarily raked up onto the lawn and then placed back in the curb after the storm. 

SHELTER
A shelter will be open at the Ambulance Corps starting Monday at 9am. The shelter should be used ONLY if you lose power and only as a last resort. It is always best to shelter in your home or with family and friends if possible. If you do need shelter, please bring the following items:

- Needed medications in the prescription bottle
- Bedding, blankets and pillows
- Non-perishable food
- Bottled Water

If you rely on the services of a care giver, that person must accompany you to the shelter. If you are without a care giver, or in need of transportation to the shelter, please call 974-408-8787.

Pets (other then service animals) are not permitted in the shelter. Please call the shelter hot line at 973-408-8787 if this is a concern.

SAFETY FIRST
Please bring in all items including signs, decorations, plants, patio furniture or other items that may become dangerous in high winds.  Please make sure your generator is properly ventilated.  Please use common sense...stay indoors, keep away from downed power lines, etc. 

CHARGING STATION AVAILABLE
The public safety building lobby on the corner of Kings Road and Prospect Street is available 24/7 as a charging station, should your power be disrupted.

BOROUGH OPERATIONS
All non-emergency borough offices including the library are closed Monday and Tuesday. If you have any questions, please call 973-408-8787.

SCHOOLS
Board of Education has announced that all Madison public schools will be closed for Monday and Tuesday.

HALLOWEEN
There are currently no plans to change the date of halloween trick or treating. Please refer back to this page on Tuesday for further information.

ISSUED ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 27

Mayor Conley and OEM Director Landrigan have issued and Advanced Declaration of a Local State of Emergency.  Click on the following link to see the declaration:
https://www.rosenet.org/uploads/3/doc01848220121027133543.pdf

ISSUED ON FRIDAY OCTOBER 26 

Please click here for a guide for Retail food establishments for protecting food during a protracted storm,

Take Note: As the storm approaches, please move your car(s) off of the street.  This is facilitate the efforts of our agency services personnel, as well as simplify the task of public works personnel clearing any downed trees, or our electrical utility personnel working on any compromised power lines.  Clearing the streets will help us help you. Please move cars from the street as soon as feasible, and be in doors before the storm gets severe.

Please do not move leaves to the curb until after the storm has passed.

During the possible upcoming storm, please reserve 911 for calls concerning bodily injury or other serious emergencies. Over the weekend, Please call 973-966-7330 to report blackouts, downed power lines or trees that have fallen against power lines or across the road. Please do not call 911 simply because 973-966-7330 busy. Remember, other members of your community will also be calling. 

Please take this opportunity to sign up for Nixle; Nixle allows your police department to communicate with you promptly and efficiently via text and email at no cost to you.

FEMA advises that if a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or TV for information. Use the Internet for detailed weather information. 
• Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
• You should have three to five days worth of food and drinking water.
• Conserve water use as much as is feasible.
• Make sure you have fresh batteries in working flashlights, and make sure all of your family members can easily find them.

Also, The American Red Cross has prepared several publications to help you prepare for a hurricane.  They have a checklist of things you should do and have on hand, suggestions about a disaster plan for your family and a guide for handling food and water during an emergency.

During a Hurricane:

• Be sure all of your family stays indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
• Close all interior doors-secure and brace external doors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds may pick up again.
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
• Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
• Be sure to stay far away from any down power lines.

After the Hurricane
The Commissioner of Banking and Insurance has put together this list of suggestions for consumers on filing insurance claims.

• Once it is safe to return home, assess the damage and make temporary repairs or arrange for a qualified professional to do so in order to protect your property. Take photos of the damage and remove personal property if your home cannot be secured. Make a list of damaged property. Do not dispose of property until an insurance adjuster has reviewed it for your claim. Many policies include reimbursement for storage costs incurred until your home is repaired. 
• Make sure you know what is in your policy and what coverage options are available for your cleanup and repair efforts. 
• If you can still live in your home, talk with your agent or insurer about critical repairs that need to be made. Whether you make the repairs or hire someone, save the receipts for your claim. 
• If you need to find other lodging, keep records of expenses and all receipts. Homeowners and renter's insurance generally provide limited coverage for expenses like: meals, rent, utility installation and transportation.

If you have any questions about the coverage in your policy, or if you need help with a problem regarding your claim following a disaster at your home, contact the Department at 1-800-446-7467 or http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/index.html.

For emergency preparedness information go to: http://www.ready.nj.gov/.

For more information on flood insurance availability through the NFIP, go to: www.floodsmart.gov