JCP&L Storm Prep Checklist Available To Long Valley Residents

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Having a flashlight, devices fully charged and emergency supply of convenience foods and bottled water, are among storm preparation tips JCP&L provided to Washington Township residents recently.

Following some power outages this summer, including from Tropical Storm Henri, which brought heavy rains during the past weekend and start of the week, Washington Township has passed on some storm readiness information from JCP&L to its residents.

Among tips to prepare for a potential power outage, in case of downed trees or utility poles from gusty winds, heavy rains and lightning, JCP&L recommends ahead of unfavorable forecasts to:

• Fully charge cell phones, laptops and tablets, to be able to keep updated on the latest information about the storm and power outages.
• Have a flashlight on hand, as well as extra batteries and a portable radio.
• Keep an emergency supply of foods that don’t need to be refrigerated or cooked, liked canned items, as well as a stash of bottled water.
• Fill a bathtub with water, in case wells and water pumps are inaccessible because of power outages.
• Stay hydrated and wear lightweight clothes in summer months when there are outages, as well as keep curtains closed on the sunny side of the home.
• Not use generators indoors or within garages.
• Not use open-flame heaters like kerosene - or gas stoves - to stay warm in colder temperatures, which can emit carbon monoxide.

For residents who see downed power lines, don’t approach them but instead call the police, fire department or JCP&L.

Outages and downed lines can be called into 1-888-LIGHTSS or 1-888-544-4877.

To report an outage online go to the “Report Outage” section of JCP&L’s website at: www.firstenergycorp.com.

For emergencies while in Washington Township dial 911 for the Washington Township Police Department. The police department can be reached, if out of town or for non-emergencies, at 908-876-3232 and dial 0 for a dispatcher.

Follow the Washington Township Police Department on Facebook for storm-related announcements here.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.