In the wake of weather reports predicting remnants of Hurricane Sandy will be affecting our area early next week, members of the governing body, the Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD), and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) have provided information for residents.
RPPD Police Chief Paul Morrison provided a general list of points for residents to be aware of:
- Please use the Police Department main telephone number at (908) 245-2300 for all non-emergencies and use 9-1-1 for all emergencies only.
- Please remain in your homes for the duration of the storm, being out in the storm will only put you in danger.
- The Roselle Park Middle school will be opened Monday, October 29, 2012, for residents who may need shelter, residents who do require shelter should contact police and transportation will be provided for you from your location to the shelter.
- The Police Department will be sending messages on the UC First Alert concerning information on the storm as well as emergency information.
- Persons with medical needs should contact the Police dispatch center today or sometime before October 29, 2012 to inform them of your special needs as well as address and contact information.
- Residents should refrain from walking in high waters.
- Please contact the Police Department for any concerns or safety information that you may require.
- Stay away from any downed wires or trees
“OEM personnel has been briefed and will also be attending a Union County OEM meeting this afternoon for further preparation of the impending storm, ” Police Chief Morrison added, “All OEM emergency equipment is in place and ready for use if needed.”
The Police Chief affirmed that Roselle Park’s emergency services are prepared and well-trained for such situations and that all emergency equipment is in place. The Police Chief stated he has already met with police personnel, OEM, and fire department officials.
“I’m very confident that all Roselle Park emergency personnel will address this storm in a professional and confident manner,” the police chief commented.
Councilman-At-Large Carl Hokanson responded, “The Borough is getting ready for the storm. There is a County meeting today at 2 o clock. The DPW (Department of Public Works) is already working on the pumps and topping off all diesel generators and all fire trucks. The catch basins are being cleaned.”
First Ward Councilman Andrew Casais also provided on the municipality’s preparations which include temporary shelters. He stated, “As of now, the Roselle Park Middle School located 57 West Grant Avenue is designated as a temporary shelter and will open on Monday and remain open for the duration of the storm and any state of emergency which may arise.”
The 1st ward council representative stated that contingencies have not been set for Halloween because there is still some uncertainty about what regions will see the full brunt of the storm.
“I personally ask residents to evaluate the situation and use common sense,” he remarked with respect to trick-or-treating and festivities, “If we experience anything close to the conditions of Hurricane Irene, or the October 2011 snowstorm, please stay indoors; it’s just not safe. I know there are many residents that love the holiday, particularly in my Ward, but it is not worth risking your safety or that of your children.”
Councilman Casais concluded that additional information will be distributed through TV-34, channel 33, and social media.
Councilman Casais’ Facebook page can be accessed here (link). Mayor Accardi’s Facebook page can be viewed here (link).