New Jersey Governor Chris Christie declared a state of emergency as a winter storm heads our way.
With a winter storm expected to impede transportation and travel throughout New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie today declared a State of Emergency, authorizing the State Director of Emergency Management to activate and coordinate the preparation, response and recovery efforts for the storm with all county and municipal emergency operations and governmental agencies. Commuters are asked to use extreme caution while traveling across the state.
“Tonight’s storm is expected to produce travel hazards and potentially cause power outages throughout the state,” said Governor Christie. “I’ve authorized state officials to take all necessary action to prepare, and my Administration will continue monitoring conditions throughout the remainder of the storm. I encourage all New Jerseyans to drive carefully and remain off the roads if possible so that our first responders and public safety officials can safely respond to any emergency situations. “
Tonight’s storm is expected to continue through Thursday, bring heavy snow, mixed precipitation including ice, and freezing temperatures throughout the State.Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest electric and gas utility, is preparing for the approaching storm system that is expected to bring rain, sleet and snow to the region this evening and tomorrow.
“At this time, we are not expecting widespread outages. However we take every storm with the potential for outages seriously, and have additional personnel scheduled and on standby, with auxiliary equipment at the ready,” said John Latka, Senior Vice President of Electric and Gas Operations for PSE&G.
The utility is arranging for additional tree crews to assist PSE&G’s own skilled workforce, and ensuring that critical supplies, including poles and transformers, are available.
PSE&G urges its customers to be cautious if they see downed lines. Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with.
To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. Customers can also report power outages and view the status of their outage by logging in to My Account on www.pseg.com, PSE&G’s mobile-friendly website.
Mother Nature can be unpredictable. It’s wise to have an emergency kit on hand year round. Things to include in that kit and actions to take before a storm include:
A battery powered radio
Flashlights – with extra batteries
Charge your cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices
Make sure your car has a full tank of gas
A non-electric can opener
Extra blankets and sleeping bags
If electricity is interrupted, keep refrigerator doors closed as much as possible.
A list of emergency phone numbers, including PSE&G’s Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG. Call this number to report power outages or downed wires
PSE&G offers its customers a number of ways to stay in touch and informed before, during and after a storm. These tools can be found at www.pseg.com in the “Storm Center,” under “How you can stay connected.”
Sign up for My Account and bookmark the mobile-friendly homepage on your smart phone so it’s easy to report outages and check restoration progress.
To report power outages via text message, and receive outage updates by text and email, sign up for MyAlerts.
Updated every 15 minutes, PSE&G’s online “Outage Map” displays the location and status of power outages in PSE&G’s service territory.
The utility’s Twitter and Facebook pages also keep the public informed about restoration progress. Sign up as a follower to monitor restoration process.
Be sure everyone in the family is prepared. Go to www.pseg.com/sesamestreet to learn how to download the PSEG and Sesame Street “Let’s Get Ready!” emergency preparedness app, along with tips on how to be ready for any emergency.
