Shelter Open at East Hanover Middle School

East Hanover will open an overnight shelter at East Hanover Middle School at 5 p.m. Wednesday for residents affected by Tropical Storm Sandy.

East Hanover Superintendent Joseph Ricca said there is an emergency generator at the middle school, which, along with other East Hanover, Florham Park and Hanover Park schools, will be closed to students Thursday and Friday.

The shelter will remain open 24-7 until at least Sunday or whenever residents can return to their homes.

Mayor Joseph Pannullo said, "We're asking people to bring what they need to make themselves comfortable. If you have a pillow, bring a pillow. If you have a blanket, bring a blanket."

The shelter has cots and will offer hot meals, and Pannullo said he is making arrangements for those staying at the shelter to get a hot shower.

For updated information on school closures, Ricca said, "We’re doing a pretty good job of being able to keep the website updated. We’ll keep doing that as long as we can."

Ricca said he will try to set up generators at other East Hanover schools, but generators are scarce at the moment.

"All of our schools structurally are okay. We’re working on cleaning up the ground, and fortunately we’re able to make a lot of progress. We just don’t have power at any of our facilities," Ricca said.

In the meantime, Ricca hopes parents will keep children indoors and away from downed trees and power lines.

"East Hanover is still dealing with the ongoing power outage," Ricca said.

Halloween festivities in the township will be rescheduled.

Any members of the community with questions about East Hanover schools can email Ricca at jricca@easthanoverschools.org.