Power Companies Preparing for the Worst

Although Hurricane Earl is not likely to make much of an impact in northern New Jersey, the local power companies are preparing for possible interruptions in service.

The Category 3 storm is expected to hit the East Coast Thursday and Friday, although the National Weather Service expects the Jersey Shore to take the worst hit in the Garden State. A tropical storm warning was in effect for the Shore as of Wednesday night, with showers and thunderstorms most likely in northern Jersey.

However, PSE&G and Orange & Rockland Electric are closely monitoring the storm's potential.

Orange and Rockland were "assessing the storm's potential for impact on the company's energy-delivery systems. O&R is prepared with emergency response plans to address storm damage to our energy delivery systems, restore service following power outages and keep our customers safe and informed during a storm crisis."

Orange and Rockland customers who encounter a downed power line or who need to report an outage should call 877-434-4100. To track potential O&R outages on the Web, click here.

PSE&G said it has "all personnel available and is ensuring that additional supplies, such as poles and pole top equipment, are on hand to promptly respond and restore service should the inclement weather result in outages."

If there are power outages, PSE&G will restore service to the largest number of customers first, taking into account "priority" customers such as hospitals, police stations, water and sewer utilities, etc.

If outages are widespread, PSE&G will activate its Twitter page to update customers of its progress. To "follow" the company, sign up at http://twitter.com/psegoutageinfo.

To report an outage, call 800-436-7734. In the event of an emergency, call the Wyckoff police at 201-891-2121.

Additionally, the Northern New Jersey chapter of the American Red Cross offers the following tips:

• Check your disaster supplies and replace and restock as needed.
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind like bicycles and lawn furniture.
• Fill your car's gas tank.
• Create an evacuation plan with members of your household.

The fact sheet also includes a number of supplies a family should have on hand including a radio with extra batteries, water, a first aid kit, cell phone with charger and medications.

In the event of storms, the fireworks fundraiser planned for Saturday evening at the municipal complex will be moved to Labor Day.