Message from the Edison Township Office of Emergency Management: Updated: Sunday, August 28, 2011 5:00 p.m. Middlesex County has declared a county-wide state of emergency, which applies to Edison Township as well. Residents are advised to stay off of the roads. The Edison Township Office of Emergency Management recommends all residents remain vigilant as reports of trees falling and power lines down continue to affect the area. Residents should avoid downed power lines and avoid driving through standing water which could be too deep or have unseen power lines. Wind gust of up to 45 mph could continue to impact our area as well as the possibility of heavy downpours this evening. Small pockets of the township have been affected by power outages and PSE&G is working to restore service in those areas. For non-emergency calls, contact the Edison Police Dept tel. 732-248-7400

* * *

(Reprinted on Aug. 26, 2011 from The Official Web Site of the Township of Edison, New Jersey http://www.EdisonNJ.org  * Also added: see messages below from Chief of Police, Director of Public Works and Health & Human Services Director) AFTER 8 P.M. ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 27TH PLEASE CALL EDISON TOWNSHIP HURRICANE HOTLINE:    (732) 404-8680 FOR NON EMERGENCIES ONLY! A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR RICIGLIANO The Township is prepared for Hurricane Irene. We ask you to secure any outdoor loose items such as: Lawn Chairs, Picnic tables, Umbrellas, Garbage Pails. Remove leaf and grass bags from curbs. Check local access Channel 15 and this website for the latest information from Township Officials, PSE&G and FEMA. PSE&G offers the following tips: DOWNED POWER LINES High winds and uprooted trees can cause power lines to come down.  STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED POWER LINES.  If a wire falls on a vehicle, passengers should stay in the vehicle until help arrives. To report a downed wire, call 1-800-436-7734 and tell PSE&G the nearest cross street. CUSTOMERS WITH LIFE-SUSTAINING EQUIPMENT Individuals who rely on life-sustaining electronic equipment, such as a respirator or dialysis machine, should pre-register with PSE&G by calling at 1-800-436-7734.  Inform your rescue squads and fire departments of your needs, in case of emergency.  Even if registered with PSE&G, you should also have emergency back-up equipment on hand, since immediate restoration cannot be guaranteed. IF YOU LOSE POWER If you are the only one in your neighborhood without power, check your fuse box for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.  If that’s not the problem, look outside if the wire between your house and the utility pole is down, report to PSE&G immediately.

* * *

A MESSAGE FROM CHIEF OF POLICE Based on the approaching storm information, it is anticipated that Hurricane Irene will cause downed trees, flooding in low lying areas and potential power outages. The police department has implemented steps to respond to calls for service throughout Edison Township during this storm. Calls for service during such a weather event will be prioritized based on the severity of the call, delays in police response may occur for non-priority calls for service. To assist the Edison Police, residents are urged to stay in their homes and to not venture out onto the roads unless it is absolutely necessary. Also, please do not utilize 9-1-1 except for emergency situations. The Non-Emergency phone number for the Edison Police is 732-248-7400. AFTER 8 P.M. ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 27TH PLEASE CALL EDISON TOWNSHIP HURRICANE HOTLINE:    (732) 404-8680 FOR NON EMERGENCIES ONLY! Chief Thomas Bryan Edison Police Department 100 Municipal Boulevard Edison, NJ 08817 Office: 732.248.7422 Email: tbryan@edisonpd.org

* * *

A MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Based on forecasted rain totals, rivers, streams and storm water systems will become inundated and cause local flooding.  Streets will be closed accordingly. Do not drive into standing water.  If you experience water in your basement do not open your sanitary trap as this can allow sewage to backup into your home as the sanitary sewer system will be under extreme demand as well. Crews will be out clearing downed trees to open roads for emergency vehicles. Jeffrey J. Roderman Director of Public Works 100 Municipal Boulevard Edison, NJ 08817 732.248.7518 732.287.8345 Fax jroderman@edisonnj.org

* * *

A MESSAGE FROM HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR The Edison Department of Health remains prepared to provide assistance and guidance to residents during Hurricane Irene. There are several steps residents can take to prepare in the event of possible loss of electric or potable water. Please use the link below for valuable information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/pdf/readiness.pdf The Township has also compiled a registry of those with special needs to address immediate health concerns in the event of loss of power. In the event of possible evacuation, information will be provided to residents for emergency shelter and water. Please check our website and Edison TV for additional information. It is also important to also make provision for your household pets. Hurricane Irene and Animals The most important thing a person can do is to plan ahead. If you are asked to evacuate, you need to bring your pets with you. You need to start thinking today about where you will take your pets -- ask a dependable friend or relative who lives some distance from the evacuation area if you and/or your pets can stay with them until the all clear is given. An alternative is to find a pet friendly motel. There a number of them listed on the web: http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/pet-friendly-hotels-newjersey.html http://www.bringfido.com/lodging/state/new_jersey/ http://www.funnewjersey.com/upload_user/Weekend_Getaways/HOTELS.HTM You should have a portable pet carrier for each animal and identification with each animal. Bring copies of the pet's licenses, leashes, water and food bowls, pet foods, bottled water, special medications and instructions for their administration, any special needs for your pet, blankets, handy wipes, paper towels and litter or bedding. Jay P. Elliot Director JELLIOT@EDISONNJ.ORG

* * * This message posted as a public service announcement by EverythingEdisonNJ.com. Follow updates on our Facebook Page for Everything Edison NJ

We are an independent advertiser-supported site and not affiliated with the township of Edison, NJ. Contact us at editor@EverythingEdisonNJ.com