EAST BRUNSWICK–With the state no longer in the path of Tropical Storm Isaias, the East Brunswick Police Department and Office of Emergency Management provided residents with updates the day after.
The Township of East Brunswick received 0.97″ of rain and sustained winds of 53mph, according to a prepared statement from the police department.
From 11:23 a.m. to 8:14 p.m. Aug. 4, the East Brunswick Police Department and the three East Brunswick Volunteer Fire Districts responded to 286 calls for service. These calls included 86 reports of trees down and 55 reports of wires down. The East Brunswick Parks Department is responding to 120 tree service requests as of Aug. 5, according to the statement.
The two power companies servicing the township, PSE&G and JCP&L, are experiencing service outages due to downed power lines. The East Brunswick Police Department is unable to provide information about power outages, according to the statement.
The East Brunswick Township tree crew has begun removing trees. This is a very lengthy process that begins with major township roadways and works its way onto side streets and into neighborhoods, according to the statement. There are areas that are also serviced by Middlesex County, as well as the State of New Jersey, according to the statement.
Additionally, a team of East Brunswick police officers used its Rescue One vehicle to remove multiple trees that blocked major roadways, according to the statement.
Police Chief Frank LoSacco is asking the public assist responders by remaining at home unless absolutely necessary to leave. Emergency response is negatively impacted with increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic that is unnecessary, according to the statement. Additionally, major storms create an increased risk to life and safety for those driving, biking and walking, according to the statement.
Below are safety tips for those using generators to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning:
- Never use a generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.
- Keep these devices outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow CO to come indoors.
- Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home. Although CO can’t be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away, do not delay.
- Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating CO.
- Test the batteries frequently and replace them when needed.
- If the CO alarm sounds move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door.
To Avoid Electrocution and Fire:
- To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface.
- Be sure to turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
- Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads.
- Check that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.
- Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Known as “backfeeding,” this practice puts utility workers, your neighbors and your household at risk of electrocution.
- Remember, even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded, resulting in overheating or generator failure. Be sure to read the instructions.
- If necessary, stagger the operating times for various equipment to prevent overloads.
If someone’s power company is JCP&L, call 1-888-544-4877. If someone’s power company is PSE&G, call 1-800-436-7734.
As always, if someone has a police, fire, or medical emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately.
For more information, visit www.ready.nj.gov/plan-prepare/public-utilities.shtml.
