Natural Gas release

We have been contacted by several agencies, particularly in the Hanover and Florham Park areas, that have reported high concentrations of natural gas in the air. These high concentrations are creating local issues. We have been in touch with our partners at PSE&G and although this is NOT a PSE&G issue, they are working with us to resolve the problem. We have learned that a controlled release of natural gas was being conducted by Williams/Transco in Livingston. This release reportedly started at 7:30am this morning and was scheduled to end this evening at 10pm. The majority of the 150 pound planned release has already occurred with 10 pounds currently remaining in the line. An orange smelling masking agent was released in an effort to mask the gas odor. This issue has also impacted Public Service Electric & Gas since they continue to receive a high volume of reported gas leaks in Morris and neighboring counties each of which needs to be investigated regardless of the likelihood that it is related to this incident. I have personally spoken with representatives of Williams/Transco and explained the situation and we have requested immediate remediation.  

Traffic - overturned tractor trailer

The Cedar Knolls Fire Department has reported the following. They are dealing with an overturned tractor trailer on 287 South near route 24 East. The ramp to 24 East is closed and traffic is backing up for miles. Expect delays. 

Fire in Roxbury 5-1-13

Roxbury Fire Fighters remain on the scene of a mulch fire located at the Nature's Choice Corporation an organic recycling center located in Roxbury. The fire has resulted in smoke — visible off routes 80 and 46 — high into the air. No injuries have been reported.

"If you see something say something"

Boston Marathon Explosion

The Morris County Office of Emergency Management is monitoring information concerning two explosions which occurred at the finish line at the Boston marathon. Our prayers go out to the victims.

Weather 3-25-13

It appears that the snow will begin around 9am and remain possible through 6pm, mixing with rain in the afternoon. It does not look like we will experience any accumulation of concern. Only about an inch of slush on pavements appears likely with 1-2 on grassy surfaces. Have a great day and be safe!

Storm Update 3-24-13

The latest forecast data suggests that snow is expected to move into our area between 5 & 6am Monday. Total snowfall amounts on grassy areas and car tops are anticipated to be within the 1-3” range as this is predicted to be a heavy and wet snow. Most snow will melt on the pavement as ambient temperatures are forecast to remain above freezing. Snowfall amounts on pavement are anticipated to be less than 1”. This data could change depending on the ultimate track of the storm.

Saturday 3-23-13 Storm Update

Saturday storm update,

There is still a lot of variability in the computer models for the upcoming weather event. The latest models suggest that snow is expected to arrive around 5-6am Monday and continue until approximately
1-2am Tuesday. Accumulations are currently expected to be in the 2-4” range on non-paved surfaces, with 1-3” of slushy snow possible on pavements. I need to stress that there is still a lot of variability, so adjustments to the forecast may be made in the future as we get closer to the event and additional information becomes available.

We will continue to monitor this approaching storm and post updates on https://www.facebook.com/MCUrgent and the Public Info Blog at http://www.morrisoem.org/

We hope you are having a great weekend!

Weather event for 3-24 & 3-25

Good afternoon,

The Morris County Office of Emergency Management has been monitoring forecasted reports from our weather team concerning a coast storm which may develop Sunday evening into Monday. At this early stage, it appears that the storm system will be approaching late night Sunday and into Monday morning. The reports suggest that snow showers will move across Morris County sometime between 6-10am Monday morning and possibly remain into Monday afternoon. Things should wind down late day Monday and into early Monday evening. There is a slight chance some rain could mix in at times Monday afternoon limiting some accumulations. With that said, we are expecting snowfall accumulations for the Morris County area to be around 1-3 inches with only slushy 1/4 to 1/2" accumulations on pavements possible, mainly in the morning through the midday hours on Monday. This is preliminary data only. We will continue to monitor this weather event and provide additional information if it is determined to be necessary.

We hope you all have a great weekend.

Weather - 3-18-13

The forecast information suggests that snow is expected to greet us today between 2-5PM. It is expected to be light by the rush hour with the development of steadier and heavier snow into the late evening. They have predicted the possibility of 1.0 – 3.5” of snow and sleet with the greatest accumulation in the western portion of the county. Icy areas are expected until the temperature warms after midnight.

Weather Update - 3-7-13 - 1:50pm

The latest information we have from our weather vendor suggests that we may see flurries at times throughout this afternoon. The possible threat of accumulations is expected to hold off until later this evening between 10pm and 1am. Steadier periods of snow are anticipated to develop and continue into Friday morning. At this time, the greatest chance for accumulating snow, based on its current track, is between 1am & 9am. It appears that the snow will be light with a 1-2” possible. Elevated spots could see more

Weather - 3-7-13 - 7:00am

The forecast information we received this morning, suggests that we will possibly experience snow showers this evening with a steadier development of snow around midnight. They indicated that the snow could continue through Friday morning. The greatest threat window at this time appears to be 12am-9am. 1-2" is possible. We will continue to monitor the forecast data.

Weather Update 3-6-13 - 6:00am

The latest forecast data  provided to the Morris County Office of Emergency Management indicates that the storm is currently in the Mid-Atlantic. Temperatures this morning are mild in the upper 30s with a strong east wind. Aside from a few sprinkles, steadier rain mixing with snow is possible. Although a changeover to snow is predicted later in the afternoon/evening, uncertainty still exists. The data suggests that we will see periods of snow, but if the intensity is not there, accumulations will struggle with possible accumulations of 1-3". We will continue to monitor this approaching storm. Have a great day! 

Weather Update - 3-5-13 - 4:30pm

The latest forecast data suggests a bit of uncertainty for Morris County. A lot will depend on the storm track and how much rain we get. It is still anticipated that we will experience flurries early tomorrow morning with no anticipated accumulations. Light rain will develop towards midday as snow mixes with rain at times. It looks like temps will warm to 35-40 degrees which will limit daytime accumulations. Some of the latest data suggests lower snow totals versus what was initially anticipated. This data changes frequently. We will continue to monitor this storm and post updates as it becomes necessary.

Weather update 3-5-13

Morris County (West)  - The storm appears to be taking a slightly further north track which may result in more snow and a longer threat window. A combination of rain and snow is anticipated to arrive tomorrow (Wednesday) morning which the possible change over to snow between 3-6pm. Snow may continue through the night with a possible accumulation between 2-4” by Thursday morning. Higher elevations will see the highest snow accumulations.

Morris County (East)  - The storm appears to be taking a slightly further north track which may result in more snow and a longer threat window. A combination of rain and snow is anticipated to arrive tomorrow (Wednesday) morning which the possible change over to snow between 4-7pm. Snow may continue through the night with a possible accumulation between 2-5” by Thursday morning. Higher elevations will see the highest snow accumulations.

The Morris County Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor this approaching storm and provide additional information.

Attention Firefighters - This course could help you save yourself!

The Morris County Public Safety Training Academy is holding a Rapid Intervention Crew Safety and Survival Weekend. This is a phenomenal course taught by the best in the business. I had the opportunity to watch portions of the last class and I was truly impressed. This course is a MUST. It could make the difference between life and death! Director Jeffrey S. Paul - Morris County Office of Emergency Management

Rapid Intervention Crew Safety and Survival Weekend

Weather Update 2-25-13

The weather team has provided us with preliminary forecast data which suggest that we may see rain, sleet and possibly some snow, depending on elevations tomorrow evening between 5-8pm. Accumulations should be limited with some coatings of sleet possible in the higher elevations and areas North of I-80. They expect more rain into the overnight Tuesday into Wednesday and possibly light rain showers lingering for Thursday. We hope you have a great week!

Weather Advisory 2-22-13

Social Media Links

For those on social media, here are some important connections:

Twitter (no login required to see these posts)

• @MCUrgent (Morris County's emergency information)
• @MorrisCountyNJ (Morris County general information)
• @JCP_L
• @FEMA
• @NJOEM2010
• @usNWSgov (National Weather Service)
• @NJ_Transit
• @TrafAlerts (Northwestern NJ Traffic alerts)

Facebook (sign in to FB before using these links)

• Facebook.com/MCUrgent (Morris County's emergency information)
• Facebook.com/MorrisCountyNJ (Morris County general information)
• Facebook.com/JCP_L
• Facebook.com/FEMA
• Facebook.com/NJOEM2010
• Facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.PHI.gov
• Facebook.com/NJTRANSIT

Via Text Message

• MCUrgent: send a text to 40404 saying follow mcurgent
• 511NJ.org: Sign up at 511NJ.org for personalized highway alerts via text.
• NJTransit: Sign up for transit delay text alerts at NJTransit.com

Morris County Towns on Social Media

We've compiled a list of social media for Morris County municipalities. These links are from the towns' websites. We did not check to see if they're actually publishing to these links... we leave that to you if you follow them.
(If your Morris County town has an official FB page and is not listed here, please email the webmaster)


(*Nixle email alerts require signing up for a Nixle account.)

Gearing up for Snow

Morris County OEM is gearing up for snow, sleet and ice accumulations which will become steadier and heavier towards Friday evening as the colder air moves in resulting in the bulk of the anticipated snow accumulations. Forecasts suggest that this will be a long duration and intense storm which will likely last over a 24 hour time frame. Here are some tips to get ready:

• Go food shopping. Make sure you have enough of the important items so you don’t have to go out and travel during the storm. We suggest a three day supply inclusive of paper goods. If you have a pet, make sure you have adequate supplies (they are family too).
• Baby supplies (if applicable)
• Fill your gas tank. This adds weight to the vehicle which will provide better traction in the snow if driving becomes absolutely necessary. In addition, we learned from Sandy that if the gas station looses power, you won’t be able to access gas unless the station has a generator.
• Make sure your wiper blades are in proper working condition.
• Charge cell phones and other important electronics. Minimize use during the storm in the event that we experience a prolonged storm that impacts power.
• Make sure you have alternate lighting sources in the event of a power loss. Battery operated lanterns and flashlights are important items to have on hand. Test all the devices to make sure they are operational and maintain extra batteries.
• Increase the cold setting in the refrigerator, In the event of a power loss, food will be maintained for a longer period.
• In the event of a power loss, use a cooler to minimize the opening and closing of the refrigerator/freezer.
• Have extra bottled water on hand within your residence. The general rule is a three day supply of water, one gallon per person per day.
• Have a First Aid Kit on hand in the event of a minor injury and a prolonged emergency response as a result of weather conditions.
• Have a working fire extinguisher
• Have an adequate supply of medications.
• Have ready a multipurpose tool, with pliers and a screw driver.
• Maintain a battery operated radio or other device (weather radio) to stay tuned to news and other important local information which may be broadcasted by the media and local stations.
• Maintain sleeping bags or other types of warm items in the event that you lose heat.
• Maintain a good shovel – Residents who are capable of shoveling could assist seniors and other neighbors who are unable to clear a path to the residence. This will assist local emergency responders in the event that they respond to the residence.
• Assist the local Fire Department by making sure that fire hydrants are accessible with the snow cleared.
• Assist local road crews by making sure that residential storm drains are cleared of snow.

Power Information

If you are without power:  report it online to JCP&L or by phone at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877).

If you see a downed wire: Stay away from all power lines. Assume they are live and dangerous. If you have a downed power line or another hazardous situation, do not complete this form. Instead, call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) immediately.

JCP&L has an outage map online.

Sandy Assistance Deadline is March 1

Survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey now have until March 1, 2013, to register for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The SBA has also set March 1 as the date for homeowners, renters and business owners to complete and return SBA disaster loan applications.

Read FEMA's full press release below:

Donations

The following is a list of places where donations can be made to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy:

Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund: Governor and Mary Pat Christie have organizaed this 501(c)(3) non-profit relief effort where you can make a financial donation to assist across the state.

United Way
To make a donation online visit:
http://www.unitedwaynnj.org/gethelp/disasterrelief.php
Or you can make a $10 donation by texting the word RECOVERY to 52000.

American Red Cross
To make a donation online visit:
http://www.redcross.org/charitable-donations
Or you can make a $10 donation by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999.

NJ Department of Health Hotline to Answer Questions About Food/Water Safety, Cleaning and Mold Removal

To help New Jersey residents as they cleanup their homes and businesses after Hurricane Sandy, the Department of Health today is making public health experts available through the state's 2-1-1 system to answer questions about food and water safety and mold removal.

To reach health experts, call 2-1-1 or 1-866-234-0964. Public Health officials will be available to take calls 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 5 pm on weekends. The 2-1-1 human services hotline is open 24/7.

"The devastation across our state is unprecedented and the process of cleanup has just begun. During this difficult time, many New Jersey residents will have questions about food and water safety as well as mold cleanup efforts and we want to help," said Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd.

Health experts can answer questions about personal health and safety concerns; cleaning and mold removal; carbon monoxide concerns and food and drinking water safety.

Additional information about hurricane and flood recovery is available at www.state.nj.us/health/er/natural.shtml.