Middletown's Hurricane Irene Update

The most current release from Middletown on Hurricane Irene preparedness and additional information ...

Over the past several days township staff has been busy working on preparing for the upcoming storm.  It is very possible that even with advance notice we may be presented with problems that could initially exceed our resources. As such, we are looking for everyone’s cooperation and patience during the next several days. 

As you are aware, the region has experienced significant rainfall over the past two weeks.  This record breaking rainfall has saturated the ground and will likely lead to flooding earlier in the storm then what would normally be expected.  In addition, this high rainfall, when coupled with the expected high winds and high tides, will likely lead to trees losing branches and/or coming down - this may result in the taking down of power lines.
 
JCP&L will have crews working around the clock but because of the expected size of this storm it is possible that power could be out for an extended period of time. We will work with JCP&L and the other utility companies to help expedite the return of utility service should it be interrupted. However, the Township has very limited control over the utility companies.
 
The Middletown Township fire department will not pump out flooded basements during the storm. They will respond to calls of flooded basements to ensure that situations are safe but they will not pump out basements at this time. Please be certain to check your sump pumps or have some provision to handle this matter through a third party plumber.
 
With regard to some of the other potential issues, the township public works dept will remove and clear trees from the roads as soon as possible. Many times, however, we need to wait for JCP&L to turn off power to electric lines tangled within the trees.  We intend to open roads ASAP and when this is accomplished we will begin clean-up. We will provide you future notice as to when clean up operations will begin.
 
You should continue to monitor the storm and to the extent possible heed the advice that is being provided by news and public service entities that are broadcasting; such as-tie down or put away lawn furniture or other items that could become airborne. Evacuating the area is mandatory in some portions of the township and recommended in most other areas.

If you are having a police, fire or medical emergency you should call 911. All other police-related matters should go to the Township police department's normal non-emergency number at 732-615-2100. For storm related inquiries please call 732-615-2000 or 732-615-3240. 

Because of the high volume of calls these lines may be busy.  However, we would ask again for your patience.  Do not call 911 if you have a non-emergency,  just continue to try get through on the regular line.
 
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we go through the next few days.