During his press briefing this evening, Governor Chris Christie announced that New Jersey State offices will remained closted on Weds, October 31. Christie said he wants to give the Department of Transportation as well as local authorities another day to clear the roads and the electric utilities another day to restore power to all State offices.
Non-essential employees should not report for their normal day shift tomorrow. Essential employees should report to work on schedule. All notifications are currently being made and coordinated by the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management in an expeditious manner.
The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the Board of Public Utilities as well as various State agencies will continue to monitor the storm and continue statewide cleanup efforts until the event concludes. New Jerseyans are encouraged to comply with orders and guidance from their local emergency management and government officials in preparing for the storm and to avoid any unnecessary risks when the storm makes landfall.
Drivers are advised to stay off of the roads whenever possible and otherwise drive with caution in consideration of the continued threat of downed power lines, trees, branches, and the work of emergency management and utility crews. When necessary, drivers should follow the rules of the road, stay alert and respect the weather elements and the guidance and orders of emergency management and government officials. Unnecessary travel is not recommended.
Posted: October 30th, 2012 | Author:Art Gallagher | Filed under:Chris Christie, Hurricane Sandy | Comments Off on Christie Briefing on Hurriance Damage and Recovery At 7:15
During a conference call with elected officials this morning, Governor Chris Christie and DEP Commissioner Bob Martin urge New Jersey residents to conserve drinking water during the clean up of Hurricane Sandy.
There are 10 water facitlities throughout the state that are suffering minor to major difficulties due to power outages and water surges. If clean drinking water falls below acceptable levels, the government will have to issue a boil water advisory.
“We don’t want people spaying the leaves off their patios,” said Chrisite
Most of Monmouth County will be without electricity for at least a few days, but water should not be an issue.
On a conference call lead by Governor Christie this evening, BPU President Robert Hanna said that New Jersey American Water Company reported that the temporary fix to the Swimming River Water Treatment Plant which failed last summer is holding up well. No problems in delivery water are anticipated.
Ongoing storm conditions will prevent JCP&L from getting to work on restoring power. Winds of over 85 mph are expected throughout tonight and into tomorrow morning, according to Jim Hayes of the National Weather Service-Mt. Holly, who was also on the call. While Sandy made landfall near Atlantic City, the worst winds are expect in Northeastern New Jersey down through Monmouth County. The 5000 out of state utility workers standing by will not be deployed until after the winds subside to around 25 mph, according to Hanna.
The high winds will cause storm surges 4.5-7.5 feet higher than expected. North Coastal Monmouth County from Sandy Hook south will experience record levels of surges and flooding.
DOT Commissioner James Simpson urged all New Jersey residents to stay off the roads tomorrow except for a genuine emergency. Treacherous road conditions from fallen trees and utility lines are reported throughout the state.
Trenton, NJ – New Jersey Education Commissioner Chris Cerf released the following statement today, encouraging closure of schools to ensure student safety in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy:
“In light of the worsening conditions due to Hurricane Sandy, I am strongly encouraging all superintendents and charter schools across the state to cancel school tomorrow. While we respect that these decisions need to be made at the local level, all indications are that the worst of the storm will be hitting New Jersey this evening and tomorrow, and it is of the utmost importance that we consider the safety of our students, school staff and district personnel at this time. Again, the decision remains a local one, but I cannot be any clearer: the effects of the storm are only going to get worse and it is in everyone’s best interest for districts and charters to cancel school tomorrow.”
