Monday, August 29, 2011

Property Damage Notification

Anyone with any damage to their homes or water in the basements please forward your name, address, phone number and estimated cost (if you have it) to mtephraimoem@gmail.com. We are in the process of capturing this information to get an estimated damage information for being included for individual and public assistance through FEMA. Please spread this to other Mount Ephraim Residents. 


Thanks again for you cooperation. 


Jay Vilardo-Emergency Management Coordinator

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Emergency Operations Center Closed

At this time, the Mt. Ephraim Office of Emergency Management Operations Center is closed.  If you have an emergency, please dial 911. 

Continued Storm Advisory

Please be advised that there is still an expectation of wind gusts of up to 45 mph as the back of the storm will come through within the next 2-3 hours.  Please use caution as there is still the possibility of further storm damage.

Sewer Issues

It has again come to our attention that the pump stations are backing up again and there is a major break in one of the lines.  Please try to limit water usage including flushing, dishes, laundry, etc.  We are working to get this situation resolved as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and cooperation in this regard.

Limited Flushing Directive

Numbered Streets and all streets North of Kings Highway may now flush.  After 8am presidential streets and streets south of Kings Highway may flush.  This is in hopes of not overwhelming the system.

NICE!!!

All roads appear to be reopened. 

Hurricane Irene Part 2

For any curious resident who is suffering from insomnia, the next, and worse part of the storm is rapidly approaching at this time.  Please remember that we ask for residents to shelter in place unless their home sustains life-threatening damage or if there is a medical need.  If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the EOC at 931-5599.

ROAD CLOSURE NOTIFICATION- Lowell & Harding @ Winthrop- REOPENED

Lowell Ave and Harding are closed at Winthrop until further notice.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

ROAD CLOSURE NOTIFICATION- Bell Road- Reopen

Bell Road will be closed between James Street and Davis Avenue due to flooding.

Pump Station Back-ups

Please be advised that the pump stations are getting flooded.  Please flush only when necessary.  Please do not add ANY water to the sewer systems.  Stay posted for further updates.  If you have any questions, please contact the EOC at 931-5599.

Tornado Warnings

A tornado warning is effective for portions of Camden County that may include the Borough of Mt. Ephraim until 10 pm.

damage/flooding notifications

Please notify the  Emergency Operation Center if you see any storm damage or excessive flooding situations at mtephraimoem@gmail.com or call (856)931-5599.  Please provide your name, address and if possible a contact phone number (if we have any questions).

Storm Information from PSE&G


PSE&G makes final storm preparations as state braces for Hurricane Irene

About 840 linemen, 540 tree contractors will be working around the clock
to restore electric service


Customers should be prepared for potentially lengthy outages 
Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) Company is making final storm preparations to deal with the potential for significant equipment damage and extended customer outages as a result of Hurricane Irene. 

"Our state has never before experienced a storm of this magnitude," said Ralph LaRossa, PSE&G president and COO. "PSE&G will have about 6,000 employees supporting the restoration effort, including 840 linemen and 540 tree contractors available to respond to outages once the hurricane pulls away. While our electric system has been recognized as the most reliable in the nation, we expect significant damage from the extraordinary wind and rain expected to pummel New Jersey this weekend. Full restoration could take between one and three weeks."

LaRossa added, "The safety of our customers and employees is first and foremost. We will begin restoring service as soon as conditions are safe to do so. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our customers as we deal with what may be an unprecedented event."

In addition to widespread electric outages, PSE&G expects the heavy rain and predicted storm surge to result in gas outages. Water could enter the utility's gas distribution system, as well as flood customers' basements and gas appliances. Customers are reminded to call PSE&G to report gas odors, and contact their local fire department and municipal construction office to receive assistance in pumping the water out of their basements.

Electric crews work to restore power to the largest numbers of customers first, taking into account "priority" customers, such as hospitals, police stations, fire stations, water and sewer facilities, communications facilities (TV, radio, and telephone), and customers on life-sustaining medical equipment.  At the same time, the utility restores power to homes and businesses, starting with the circuits serving the largest number of customers.

To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSE&G's Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG.  PSE&G uses an automated system to handle customer calls as efficiently as possible. Customers who get an automated response when calling PSE&G are encouraged to use it, as it is designed to route their calls to the right destination quickly. The system also provides the option to speak directly to a customer service representative. If you have specific information regarding damage to wires, transformers or poles, we ask that you speak with a representative to provide that information. 

Customers with a handheld device, or who are at an alternate location with power, can also report power outages and view the status of their outage by logging in to My Account at pseg.com. General outage activity throughout our service territory is available online at
www.pseg.com/outagecenter and updates are posted on pseg.com during severe weather.

If outages are widespread, the utility will activate its Twitter page to keep the public informed about our restoration progress. Sign up as a follower at 
http://twitter.com/psegoutageinfo to monitor restoration progress.

PSE&G offers the following important information for customers: 

DOWNED POWER LINES
Heavy rain and strong winds can cause power lines to come down.  Downed wires may appear dead but should always be considered "live."  STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES .  Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with.  Parents are urged to check for downed wires in areas where their children might play and to remind the children to stay far away from any wires.  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-PSEG and tell PSE&G the nearest cross street.

CUSTOMERS WITH LIFE-SUSTAINING EQUIPMENT
Individuals who rely on electricity to operate life-sustaining electronic equipment, such as a respirator or dialysis machine, should pre-register with PSE&G to receive priority attention in the event of an outage.  To request the service, call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG.  They should also inform their rescue squads and fire departments of their needs, in case of emergency.  Even though customers with life-sustaining equipment who have registered with PSE&G will receive priority attention during outages, they should also have emergency back-up equipment on hand, since immediate restoration cannot be guaranteed.

IF YOU LOSE POWER
First check your neighborhood.  If you are the only one without power, check your fuse box for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.  If that's not the problem, look outside at the wire between your house and the utility pole.  If it is down, report it immediately to PSE&G.
If you lose power:
  • KEEP REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER DOORS CLOSED.  Food will stay frozen between 36 and 48 hours in a fully loaded freezer (24 hours in a half-full freezer).
  • Know how to open your garage door without the electric opener.  
  • Remember, electric well and sump pumps will not operate.  
  • Unplug all motor-driven appliances like refrigerators and freezers and sensitive electronic equipment (like TVs, microwaves and computers) to prevent a possible electrical overload when power is restored.  
  • Leave one light switch on to indicate when power is restored.
IF YOU USE A PORTABLE ELECTRIC GENERATOR, CAREFULLY READ AND FOLLOW THE MANUAL THAT CAME WITH IT.  Be sure your generator is UL-approved, installed by a licensed electrician and inspected by your local electrical inspector.  There must be a way to physically disconnect your generator from utility lines.  Customers who improperly install, operate or maintain a generator are responsible for any injury or damage suffered by themselves, their neighbors or utility workers.
FLOODED BASEMENTS
Flooded basements can pose a genuine safety risk. Below are some steps you can take to help ensure your safety in the event of flooding:
  • Be cautious in flooded basements.
  • If customers lose electricity and their basement is flooded, notify PSE&G (1-800-436-7734) and call the local fire department to have the basement pumped. Stay away from the breaker box if it's in a flooded basement. And don't go into a flooded basement if energized wires are present. 
  • If water is rising to the height of any gas appliance, the gas supply to the appliance should be turned off.  If customers are unable to do so, please contact PSE&G or your local police or fire department for assistance. To restore gas service to appliances call PSE&G (1-800-436-7734) and have the appliances checked for safety and restored to proper operation. 
  • Customers should call PSE&G (1-800-436-7734) immediately if they smell gas.
GENERAL TIPS:
Mother Nature can be unpredictable.  It's wise to have an emergency kit on hand year round.  Here are some things to include:
  • A battery-powered radio. 
  • A corded telephone (cordless phones will not work if the power is out)
  • Flashlights and extra fresh batteries.
  • A first-aid kit.
  • Bottled water and an adequate supply of non-perishable food.
  • A non-electric can opener.
  • Matches and candles with holders.
  • Extra blankets and sleeping bags.
  • 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.

Unsubscribe|Subscribe|Update Email|Privacy|Contact Us


This email was sent by PSEG - 80 Park Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102

Storm Safety Precautions

Mt Ephraim Office of Emergency Management advises residents to prepare for the incoming storm due to effect the area over the weekend.  Make sure you have 1 gallon of water per person in your house hold per day and non-perishable food for 72 hours.  Please prepare to possibly be without power for an extended period of time.  Locate your flashlights and portable radios, and make sure you have spare batteries.  Please secure all outdoor furniture, toys, etc. Mount Ephraim OEM advises that all residents shelter in place during the storm.  A temporary sheltering location will be established at the Court Room at the Borough Hall for all emergency situations only.  If for some reason you are not comfortable with staying in your home, please make arrangements now to evacuate to an out of the area friend, family member or if needed hotel.  We will only be sheltering residents that have damage to their homes or a life safety issue.  We will not be sheltering just for power outage unless there is a medical need.  Please continue to monitor the weather.  Please share this information with your neighbors and family.  We will continue to release information via this system, Facebook and the town website as needed.

Pending Storm Directives

A State of Emergency will be declared for Mt. Ephraim Borough beginning at 12pm on Saturday, August 27, 2011.  The Emergency Operations Center will be opened beginning at 4pm on Saturday.  For non life threatening emergencies, please contact us at 931-1546.  Only use 911 for life threatening emergencies.

For your own safety and that of the emergency services, we ask that all residents stay indoors/ shelter in place during the storm.   If your home sustains damage requiring you to leave, there will be a temporary shelter in the Court Room of the Borough Hall.

All residents that have driveways should use them to park their vehicles.  The combination of debris, flooding, and cars will make response to emergencies more dangerous.  For the safety of our volunteers and staff, we strongly encourage your cooperation in this regard.

Friday, August 26, 2011

WELCOME

This blog was created to inform the residents of the Borough of Mount Ephraim of any emergency information needed to be sent immediately.

At this time, there are no emergency notifications, but we ask that you prepare for the approaching weather.

Please visit the following websites to find the latest information  for Hurricane Irene:
http://www.fema.gov/
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/