Bernardsville Emergency Responders Prepare for Storm

With the Bernardsville Department of Public Works ready for storm response and snow operations, the borough's office of emergency response also was preparing for possible power outages and other emergencies as Friday's storm continued, said Borough Police Chief Kevin Valentine.

Meanwhile, the borough also announced on its website that the Pill Hill composting facility will be closed on Saturday.

The borough also announced that the collection of Sandy debris will be suspended through the weekend since slick roads make it unsafe for that work to continue.

Valentine said there were no major problems as of Friday afternoon, although there had been a water main break near a residence on Bernards Avenue.

Valentine, who also heads the borough's office of emergency management, said on Friday afternoon that he was not expecting any unusual problems other than the typical snow removal issues, maybe with some downed power lines and isolated power outages.

On the other hand, he noted that high wind gusts are possible and an unpredictable final storm track for a possible prolonged event could require extra resources and the activation of the emergency response team and shelter group to assist. and Shelter Group to assist. 

Valentine said the police department will monitor power outages overnight, and issued a reminder that residents should report power outages directly to JCP&L at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) or at www.firstenergycorp.com.

Residents are asked to call 911 for life threatening emergencies. The direct business line to report other matters to police headquarters is 908-766-0037. Those with special needs also were asked to notify the police department ahead of time.

Winter safety tips and additional storm warnings are on the Bernardsville police website. A reverse 911 call was being planned to go out to residents late this afternoon regarding the storm warning and storm preparation.

Residents were urged to sign up for emergency telephone and email alerts on the police department website. 

Valentine said additional information is on www.ready.gov.