Winter Storm Tips & Information

Residents are reminded that parking on the street during a snow emergency is prohibited. Vehicles parked on the street are subject to a summons and being towed. Depositing or throwing snow onto the street is also prohibited; do not shovel, plow or otherwise place snow onto the roadway. Do not place garbage and recycling cans in the street. We realize this cleared area is an enticing location to place cans, but it creates a hazard as they could get hit by vehicles or taken away by snowplows. It is recommended that garbage cans be placed at least 3 to 5 feet off the edge of pavement, into your driveway, so they are out of the way of the snowplow or snow being pushed aside while the snowplow is going down the road. 

For more information, please see the Bernards Township Snow Emergency Ordinance

Remember to check generators and snowblowers for proper operation before the storm begins. Always keep generators away from windows and doors and never operate them in enclosed spaces. Please also check in on your neighbors, especially the elderly or those that might need assistance. Don’t wait for your neighbor to need help to be a good friend.

Visit FEMA's winter weather preparation page for winter weather preparation and safety tips. Please remember the following:

• Report power outages and downed wires to JCP&L promptly. Always stay away from downed wires.
• Always operate generators outside and away from windows and doors.
• Stay off roads.
• Fully charge portable electronic devices.
• For weather updates see the National Weather Service's website or other reputable weather outlet.

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L)
In the event outages occur due to severe weather, customers without power are encouraged to report their outage by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), clicking the “Report Outage” link on www.firstenergycorp.com, or by texting out to 544487.
Customers should immediately report downed wires to 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) or call their local police department. JCP&L reminds customers to stay away from downed wires, even if they believe they are no longer carrying electricity. Extra caution should be used in areas where downed lines are tangled with trees or other debris. Motorists are cautioned to treat intersections with inoperable traffic signals as four-way stops.
JCP&L customers can subscribe to email and text message alert notifications to receive weather updates in advance of major storms and updates on scheduled or extended power outages. Visit www.firstenergycorp.com/connect to enroll.
Follow JCP&L on Twitter @JCP_L, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JCPandL or online at https://www.firstenergycorp.com/jersey_central_power_light.html

Optimum is monitoring their network and will report any impacts to the system. In the event our services are impacted, customers can visit My Account for service updates. Customers can also check the Storm Center Outage Map for information on outages and estimated resolution timeframes.

You can also:
1. Message Optimum at optimum.net/chat
2. Send Tweet to @Optimumhelp
3. Call Optimum at (866) 950-3278

Many of the Optimum resources, as well as storm preparation recommendations and frequently asked questions, are also available at https://www.optimum.net/pages/storm-preparedness.html

PSE&G:
Report any natural gas leaks, disruptions or outages to PSE&G at 1-800-880-7734. Do not use a gas range or stove to heat your home. Residents can also visit PSE&G's storm safety page for more information and safety tips.

Verizon:
For Verizon outages contact their customer service at 1-800-VERIZON. Always stay away from downed wires.

New Jersey American Water Company:

Water problems such as water main breaks and leaking hydrants can be reported to NJAWC by calling 1-800-272-1325 or by using their online reporting page here.