Hurricane Sandy Rages Through Millburn
The mayor urges residents to stay indoors after Sandy caused widespread power outages and trees and wires down throughout the township.
For updates on this story, like the Millburn Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Updated 9:21 a.m.
Causing widespread power outages, Sandy passed through the area with hurricane strength winds Monday night. Although the township didn't see much rain, the wind caused dozens of down trees and wires.
Mayor Sandra Haimoff urged residents to stay in their homes Tuesday morning. Almost every road has downed wires and trees she said.
The Patch will share photos through here and on its Facebook page.
There is no estimate from JCP&L yet.
Town Hall, which appears to be the only place in town with power, will be open for warming and power charging stations.
A high wind warning is still in effect until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Mayor Sandra Haimoff said residents should call JCP&L, at 1-800-662-3115, to report outages. The town storm center, 973-564-7755, is also open for other questions or issues.
Millburn township said it was prepared for Hurricane Sandy's winds to whip through Millburn and Short Hills. The township filled over 1,000 sand bags in the 24 hours before the storm and placed them to protect localized flooding regions.
Police released a list of road closures and down trees and wires that was updated continously until the police headquarters internet went out Monday evening. Please add any outages, down trees or lines you see on Tuesday.
Haimoff said on Monday afternoon, "We feel we are in a good position."
So how did you fare? Share your photos and comments here.
Patch is following the storm though and we will continue to update this article with new information on closures throughout town, power outages, locations of shelters and more as it becomes available.
Codey Arena in West Orange is the only overnight shelter available to residents.
If you need or have any further information, please ask or add it in the comments. Let us know what you see by sending the Patch your updates and uploading you photos here.
Millburn township will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. on Tuesday to keep residents updated. They also urge residents to call its hotline 973-564-7755 for any questions.
Millburn cancelled school on Monday and Tuesday, as well as trash pickup. If you know other businesses, services, power outages or roads that are closed please add them here to share with the community.
On Sunday, Governor Chris Christie formally requested a pre-landfall emergency for the state. The reservoirs around the state have also been lowered.
Mayor Sandra Haimoff has begun to answer residents' questions on this post. The township also released two statements answering residents' questions before the storm. Part 1 - Part 2
If you have further questions ask them here and Patch will get the answers. Patch will be covering the storm live. Also check out some tips on how to use Patch during the storm.
"We seem to have touched base with all necessary agencies," Millburn Business Administrator Tim Gordon said on Friday.
According to Mayor Sandra Haimoff, residents can park in any municipal lot. Town Hall and South Moutain Elementary will be open as warming and charging stations but not as overnight shelters.
JCP&L have warned residents power could be out in the area for up to 10 days. The company's trucks were in the Millburn-Short Hills area on Sunday preparing.
Residents should check the American Red Cross checklist issued on Friday to make sure they are all set for Monday evenings storm.
According to FEMA, the basics residents should stock up on is: at least three days worth of non-perishable food and one gallon of water per day for each person in your household for at least three days, for both drinking and sanitation.
Emergency supplies FEMA recommends:
- "Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger"
All Millburn police officers will be on call as of Sunday evening, Captain Michael Palardy said. Police officers will go to 12-hour shifts.
The fire department has checked all its tarps, submersible pumps, salvage equipment and trucks to make sure they are all in working order, Roberts said.
The township has contacted the county to check all drains. It also has the DPW making sure all areas that usually collect debris are clear.
Gordon suggests residents with basements that usually flood to move valuables upstairs if they haven't already.
j
10:00 am on Friday, October 26, 2012
Please do everyone in Springfield a favor and don't open the flood gate all of the sudden and wipe us out again.
James
10:36 am on Friday, October 26, 2012
Why would anyone in Millburn do anything for the people of Springfield? Springfield common folk not of any consequence to the elite of Millburn.
zenith
4:21 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
I'm sorry that it did happen during Irene. A friend of mine was also affected by that. She decided to take a shelter.
J S Beckerman
10:22 am on Friday, October 26, 2012
PSEG and Connecticut P+L are bringing in extra linemen from the Midwest in advance as a precaution and have been actively trimming overhanging branches. Is JCP+L doing anything as they were lousy last October? Can our elected officials make the call and advise us?
Sandy Haimoff
8:20 pm on Saturday, October 27, 2012
JCP&L has had its trucks, manpower and equipment from nout of state in for a day now. They are staged at the Livingston Mall. Limbs have been removed from trees; I am in contact with our contact at JCP&L and will let you know when I get new info. Sandy Haimoff
Mark Josephson
3:27 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012
Does anyone know of an extra generator for sale? Home Depot and Bunchers are already out of stock.
Lana Laake Doherty
4:42 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012
South Mountain floods, so doesn't Millburn Township want to put a shelter up at Hartshorn.
millresident
10:43 pm on Saturday, October 27, 2012
As far as I know Short-Hills doesn't flood like Millburn does. In the event of a bad storm it would be very difficult and dangerous to try to get to Hartshorn. South Mountain is more centrally located.
Gman
6:15 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012
Draining reservoirs an option?
Sandy Haimoff
8:20 pm on Saturday, October 27, 2012
Yes it is and it has been done. The county has lowered the water in the reservoir by one foot and the Orange Mayor has informed me that the outlet at the reservoir is open and the water is flowing. checked it and it is. Sandy Haimoff
Karen
8:20 pm on Saturday, October 27, 2012
Please advise how the storm sewers are being addressed in South Mountain section of Millburn?
Complainer
8:20 pm on Saturday, October 27, 2012
What is wrong with Millburn Township? I see on the news that townships across the tri-state area have their maintenance crews doing overtime to clear leaves from the streets before the storm. Our town's response -- do nothing. Well actually they did call to tell everyone to get their leaves off of the street. Really disgraceful. I guess we don't pay enough in taxes.
millresident
10:43 pm on Saturday, October 27, 2012
They were in my neighborhood today, moving leaves from the street.
Sandy Haimoff
9:44 pm on Saturday, October 27, 2012
Our crews have. Even out all day a nd will continue tomorrow removing limbs from wired debris from river leaves from curbs securing man holes and placing sandbags Mong some of the many things they are doing to prepare. Sandy
Lynne Ranieri
8:07 am on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Are schools closed on Monday?
Craig McCarthy
8:10 am on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Schools have not been cancelled yet. Check back with the Patch later for updates.
Craig McCarthy
5:58 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Schools are closed Monday and Tuesday.
Lynne Ranieri
8:21 am on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Thank you, Craig. The historical society is scheduled to talk to Hartshorn students about local history on Monday.
Acton
10:22 am on Sunday, October 28, 2012
I cleared my storm drains and blew all the leaves piled in the street along our road onto my property and away from the street this morning. Waiting for the crews to make it to your 'hood is not a good bet for you or your fellow residents.
Good luck to all.
sms
10:54 am on Sunday, October 28, 2012
If your leaves are already in the street, please take the time to rake them back onto the curb so storm drains will not be blocked. Remember your elderly neighbors who may not be able to do it themselves.
Ruthi Byrne
10:22 am on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Leaves on Athens Rd are still in the street, if the township can please send a crew that would be helpful. Any chance?
Andrea
12:17 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
We are at 161 Myrtle and have a huge pile of leaves in front, just a few feet from a sewer!!
millresident
1:02 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Maybe you should move them? Just sayin.
Dan
1:18 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
I don't have a garage and have to park under a bunch of trees - are there places in town (e.g., high school, train station) where I can park/leave my car?
Craig McCarthy
3:06 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Mayor Haimoff said residents can park in an municipal lot.
Joel
1:31 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Are the merchants downtown who got hit so badly in the past provided with sandbags, etc. to protect their businesses?
millresident
1:34 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Homeowners had to buy their own sandbags so I'm guessing the merchants do too
Sandy Haimoff
3:07 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Cars can be parked in any municipal lot
Sandy Haimoff
3:07 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Cars Can be parked in any municipal lot
Dan
3:28 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Great - thank you!
Susan1
3:47 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Millburn schools are closing Monday and Tuesday.
Nick Romano
5:13 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
It's just been brought to my attention, the mayor has a twitter for the hurricane to keep residents informed on any storm updates. @millburnmayor.
Craig McCarthy
5:59 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Mayor Haimoff said she will also try to answer questions from residents on this post. She will either post herself or send me the answer. Please feel free to post your concerns here.
mark-m
8:01 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Before IRENE last year, and Halloween Surprise '11, I'd swear the weather forecasts were (sub-rosa) funded by a Bread and Dairy conglomerate. No more. Not after Irene left a foot of water in my basement that was bone dry for the decade we've lived here. My office in Jersey City has already announced we are closed Monday. Schools where two of my daughters teach (Passiac County and Jersey City announced they are closed. Also New Jersey City University is closed.
mark-m
8:01 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
While a lot of the "Windfall" weak branches and root systems went down last Fall, a lot was left standing and weakened. With a lot of trees still showing leaves to catch the wind there will be many coming down. Don't do out for a storm walk. Park you cars clear of falling timber. If a tree canopies over an inhabited room in your house, leave it empty until the all clear.
Shirley Muska
2:53 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
Sandy,
How is reducing the reservior by only 1 foot going to deal with the amount of rain anticipated to flow into our old storm sewers ? Esssex County & it's towns really are in need to be responsive to us since we are a cash cow when it comes to county taxes.
Vicky Powell
3:48 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
Just lost power on Brooklawn Dr. Saw some tree limbs out on glen ave by Brooksude dr earlier. We are in for the long haul.
zenith
4:21 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
Sorry about that.
Scott Zegas
6:53 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
509 Wyoming ave just lost power. Bummer
C
7:59 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
Is millburn/ short hills going to get hit?
Sandy Haimoff
7:59 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
So Mtn school lost power. Town hall open for warming and. Charging. Town crews are responding to calls call town storm center to report any problem. 9735647755
Sandy
Sandy Haimoff
8:29 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
Please call jcp&l. 800 662 3115 to report outage. Also call town storm center 9745647755
There are outages throughout town
Craig McCarthy
8:52 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
973-564-7755 actually
Y
9:00 am on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
How long is power going to be out. Is there school tomorrow ?
Craig McCarthy
9:03 am on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
No answer yet on power. There is a tree in front of the high school currently. No official decision on school yet.
Sjm325
11:59 am on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Does anyone know where to find gas?
Susan Gamble
12:23 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
How is the recovery going in Millburn? Hope all is well. My roofing company up in the Boston area (www.olympicroofing.com), donated a truckloads of supplies to the recovery efforts in early November. I hope the rebuilding efforts are moving along, best of luck.