By Amy Batista, Special Writer
MONROE – As Hurricane Sandy, also called by many the "Frankenstorm," took aim at New Jersey, many residents anxiously awaited to see what she had in store for them while emergency personnel braved the elements.
"The Office of Emergency Management, headed by Ernie Feist, did a tremendous job in preparing for Hurricane Sandy and continue to do so in the aftermath of the storm," said Mayor Richard Pucci on Thursday.
"I have declared a local disaster emergency exists with the Township of Monroe," said Mr.Fiest, r on Oct. 29. Traffic was limited by the order.
As many EMS personnel left that evening to head to work, many posted on their Facebook messages wishing their fellow "brothers" to be safe and careful out there.
"The township’s public works and water and sewer utility workers have put forth a tremendous effort throughout as has our emergency services of police, fire and first aid under the most trying circumstsnces," Mayor Pucci said.
According to OEM, Monroe Township continues cleanup activities today.
JCP&L advises that between 95 to 100 percent of Monroe is without power. JCP&L advises that the substations that provide electricity to Monroe Township are offline due to damage by Hurricane Sandy. They are working to restore power to those substations. After that’s complete, local service restoration can begin. Service restoration is further complicated by the number of fallen trees.
"Initial reports from (Hurricane) Sandy indicate that very little flooding occurred throughout the township. Hundreds of falling trees and the loss of electricity throughout the township for almost all our residents, approximately 18,000 locations, is our major concern at this time," Mayor Pucci said. "JCP&L has advised us from the outset it could be seven to 10 days before power is fully restored."
"Thank you Monroe OEM (Monroe Township Office of Emergency Management Facebook) for your efforts to communicate under such difficult circumstances," posted Carl Crowley on the Monroe Township Office of Emergency Management Facebook page on Nov. 1.
Monroe Township Office of Emergency Management joined Facebook Oct. 27 and is updated with information about storm-related information, shelter locations, where to call for assistance, road closings, school closings, power outages and much more. A new posting on the website reads that the township is asking for assistance.
"As posted earlier, the township municipal building (lower level), is serving as a shelter for those residents with medical conditions requiring electrically operated devices. If anyone has excess non-perishable foodstuffs, we can use then. Especially soups, pasta, sauces, peanut butter and jelly, crackers and cereals," according to the Facebook post.
The post continues to read, "If anyone has access to fresh baked goods, we could use that as well. Please make sure you have adequate supplies for your family before you donate anything."
According to Monroe OEM on the Facebook page, the Monroe Township Municipal Building has partial power being provided by a backup generator. For as long as space and electrical capacity allow, cell phone charging will be accommodated. This service will be available 24 hours a day during this emergency. If you plan on charging multiple devices, please bring a power strip, according to Monroe OEM. Medical devices will receive priority.
In addition, Monroe OEM assures the residents that their water supply is safe to drink.
"We are doing everything possible to make sure our residents are safe," Mayor Pucci said.
Visit the Monroe Township Office of Emergency Management Facebook page for up-to-date information or the township website at www.monroetwp.com.