Monmouth County Polling Location Updates

Hurricane Sandy alters election locations

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Clerk’s Office and the Monmouth County Board of Elections continue to strive to provide a normal as possible Election Day for residents of Monmouth County in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

In 51 of the 53 Monmouth County municipalities, residents will be voting in their communities. For a complete list of locations, click here.

Provisions have been made for residents in two of the most severely storm-ravaged boroughs to vote in neighboring communities. Sea Bright residents will vote at the Fair Haven Fire House on 645 River Road in Fair Haven. Loch Arbour residents will be voting at the Allenhurst Fire House on 311 Hume Street in Allenhurst. All other residents will vote in their own community.

In 23 of the 53 municipalities of Monmouth County, there will be no changes in polling districts.

However, storm damage has required polling sites to be moved or consolidated in the remaining municipalities. These changes were coordinated with the municipal clerks in each municipality.

For questions about Election Day polling places, please call your municipal clerk.

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Christie Administration Announces E-Mail and Fax Voting For New Jerseyans Displaced by Sandy

Already Available to Military and Overseas Voters, State Opens Electronic Voting System to Make Voting More Accessible to Citizens Displaced by Hurricane Sandy and First Responders Assisting in Recovery Efforts

Trenton, NJ –The New Jersey Department of State has issued a directive today to county elections officials to permit New Jersey registered voters displaced by Hurricane Sandy to vote electronically. This directive also is intended to assist displaced first responders, whose tireless recovery efforts away from home has made voting a challenge.

“This has been an extraordinary storm that has created unthinkable destruction across our state and we know many people have questions about how and where to cast their vote in Tuesday’s election. To help alleviate pressure on polling places, we encourage voters to either use electronic voting or the extended hours at county offices to cast their vote,” said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. “Despite the widespread damage Hurricane Sandy has caused, New Jersey is committed to working through the enormous obstacles before us to hold an open and transparent election befitting our state and the resiliency of its citizens.”

To vote electronically, displaced voters may submit a mail-in ballot application either by e-mail or fax to their county clerk. Once an application is approved, the clerk will electronically send a ballot to the voter by either fax or e-mail in accordance to the voter’s preference. Voters must return their electronic ballot – by fax or email – no later than November 6, 2012, at 8 p.m.

Voters can download a mail-in ballot application for their county by visiting http://nj.gov/state/elections/voting-information-vote-by-mail.html. A list of county clerk websites, phone numbers and fax numbers are available by visiting http://nj.gov/state/elections/voting-information-local-officials.html.

Separate directives issued today enable displaced voters and first responders to vote by provisional ballot at a polling place in a county other than the voter’s county of registration. The deadline for county clerks to receive mail-in ballots has been extended to November 19, 2012, for any ballot postmarked on or before November 5, 2012. Mail-in ballots post marked later than November 5 will not be accepted.

County elections officials have also been directed to print a sufficient number of provisional and emergency ballots to accommodate voters.

Voters are encouraged to take advantage of extended office hours at county elections offices to cast their vote early and in-person.  Registered voters can obtain and cast their ballot in-person at their county elections office up until 3 pm Tuesday.  County election offices are to remain open, at a minimum, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm throughout the weekend, until November 5.  Voters that have a mail-in ballot and choose to deliver their ballot to the county elections office in person must present their completed ballot to their county elections office no later than the close of polls on Tuesday.

Information is also available by calling 1-877-NJVOTER.

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Christie Orders Odd-Even Gas Rationing To Relieve Ease Lines

Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie took action to prevent a fuel shortage and ease the problem of extended wait times and lines at gas stations by signing Executive Order 108, declaring a limited state of energy emergency with regard to the supply of motor fuel and implementing odd-even rationing for gasoline purchases in 12 New Jersey counties.  Odd-even fuel sales will take effect in the following counties at noon on November 3, 2012: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Monmouth, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren.

“As New Jerseyans continue the long process of recovering from Hurricane Sandy, it’s imperative that our families have secure, reliable access to essential supplies like fuel. Right now, the impact of the storm, particularly the continuance of widespread power outages, has created the disorderly sale of gas – including long lines, out of operation stations, and stations facing shortages,” said Governor Christie. “This system will ease the strain on those gas stations still operating, while we work to bring more online for the public to access fuel, in a manner that is fair, easy to understand, and less stressful.”

Once in effect, all retail dealers of motor fuel will be required to only sell motor fuel for use in a passenger automobile bearing license plates, the last number of which is an even number, on even numbered days of each month. Likewise sales will only be permitted to passenger automobiles bearing license plates ending in odd numbers on odd numbered days of the month.  Specialized plates – or those not displaying a number – will be considered odd numbered plates.

Governor Christie and Attorney General Jeff Chiesa pledged to aggressively and vigorously enforce the order to ensure compliance and the effectiveness of the policy in the affected counties.

“The orderly and reliable sale of gas to our residents is essential to maintaining a steady and reliable source of power for both transportation and the maintenance of essential services at home.  With the challenges we face in the storm’s aftermath, we will be vigilant in enforcing this odd-even system, as we ease the stresses on the system,” said Attorney General Jeffery S. Chiesa. “I encourage all New Jerseyans to abide by this system – motorists and retail dealers alike – to ease wait times and improve access for everyone.  Those who choose to disregard this order will be prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted under the Governor’s state of emergency authority.”

These sales provision will remain in effect for as long as the Governor’s limited declared state of energy emergency is in effect in those 12 counties.

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Christie Re-opens Atlantic City Casinos

Trenton, NJ –This morning, Governor Christie announced that he is rescinding an order that closed Atlantic City casinos in preparation for Hurricane Sandy, while also lifting the mandatory evacuation order for Atlantic City residents. The Governor was notified by Division of Gaming Enforcement Director David Rebuck that the order reinstating certificates of operation for the twelve casinos was signed within minutes of the Governor’s lifting of the mandatory evacuation order for the residents of Atlantic City, originally issued on October 27, 2012.

The order grants the casinos permission to recommence casino gaming and wagering activities on Friday, November 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Division investigators and personnel have been assigned to each property to ensure compliance with internal control procedures and to complete a final authorization to commence operations.

“The Director has indicated that a complete review and assessment of the status and condition of each casino property, including the casino floors, its equipment, surveillance, security and gaming related computer systems have been completed,” said Governor Christie. “I have extreme confidence in Division of Gaming Enforcement staff as they begin the re-opening process of gaming operations in Atlantic City.”

“This has been an extremely difficult time for the City of Atlantic City and the State of New Jersey,” said Division Director Rebuck. “The cooperation of Governor Christie, state and local officials and the casino executives has been outstanding and we commend all those who have responded and worked with our staff throughout the events of Hurricane Sandy.”

“Maintaining the integrity of casino operations is paramount. We will continue ongoing dialogue with the properties to ensure a smooth and cohesive re-opening as quickly as possible,” said Rebuck

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Christie Administration Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available in Eight New Jersey Counties Impacted by Storm

Trenton, NJ –The U.S. Department of Labor announced that it approved Governor Chris Christie’s request for eight (8) New Jersey counties to qualify for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance as a result of the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy.

This special assistance program pertains to people in and around portions of New Jersey that were declared a federal disaster area, including Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Union counties. Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available for persons, including self-employed individuals, who were living or working in the affected counties at the time of the disaster, and who are unemployed as a direct result of the damages caused by the storm.

At this time, the assistance is available only in connection with those areas declared a federal a disaster area, including Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Union counties. Additional counties may be added to the disaster declaration following continued damage assessments by local officials, representatives of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

If you are unemployed because of the disaster that began on Oct. 28, you should FIRSTfile for unemployment insurance benefits through the Internet by going to www.njuifile.net.

The Internet processes claims faster. However, if needed, people may also file a claim by telephone by contacting the state Department of Labor’s Re-employment Call Centers at:

North Jersey (201) 601-4100

Central Jersey (732) 761-2020

South Jersey (856) 507-2340

A 30-day deadline ending December 3, 2012 is in effect for filing claims resulting from Hurricane Sandy.

For additional information regarding Disaster Unemployment Assistance or for FEMA services please call the FEMA emergency number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. Information is also available via the Internet at www.disasterassistance.govand www.fema.gov.

For information on all New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development programs and services visit http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/index.htmland www.Jobs4Jersey.com

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Monmouth County Establishes Donation Drop-off at Thompson Park in Middletown

Individuals and Business Invited to Drop-off Needed Items

LINCROFT, NJ – Monmouth County has established a donation site for desperately needed items to assist the victims affected by the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. The site has been set up at Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Road (Route 520) in Lincroft.

The donation center is located at the service entrance of the park. It is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to receive donated items.

Items needed include:

• Bottled Water

• Non perishable food

• Pet food

• New clothing

• Blankets

• Personal hygiene items including baby items

Thompson Park is a donation site only – no distribution will be made there. Items will be sorted and taken to three distribution sites in strategic areas in Monmouth County which will be announced as the items have arrived at those locations.

“This is a way for residents to help out during this time of need,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “Through this process, donations from those who were fortunate during Hurricane Sandy can assist those who were less fortunate.”

For monetary donations, please use your preferred non-profit organization.

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Governor Christie Acts to Boost Gasoline, Diesel Supplies

Waiver of Licensing Requirement Makes It Easier to Meet New Jersey Fuel Needs

Trenton, NJ –In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Governor Christie has acted to boost supplies of gasoline and diesel in New Jersey by directing Treasury officials to waive licensing requirements that affect merchants’ ability to buy fuel from out-of-state suppliers.

Under normal conditions, merchants not licensed to import fuel can’t legally buy gasoline and diesel from out of state and import it.  The waiver, which will be in place until Nov. 7, will boost storm-depleted supplies by allowing all merchants temporarily to buy fuel from out of state for their New Jersey customers.

“When shortages threaten after natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy, fuel buyers need to venture farther from state borders to ensure that their customers get the gasoline and diesel they need,” Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff said.“Temporarily suspending licensing is a prudent way of empowering merchants to buy fuel farther from the state line, boosting supplies for New Jersey motorists who need fuel to get to work and do their jobs.”

Fuel merchants who buy fuel from out of state who aren’t currently licensed importers will have to document their purchases and pay required New Jersey taxes. Fuel merchants who import must fill out form MFA-12 available at the following link to register their purchases and calculate taxes: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/pdf/other_forms/motorfuel/mfa12.pdf  Any questions can be addressed to the New Jersey Division of Taxation at (609) 633-8536.

Gasoline and diesel fuel supplies have tightened across the East Coast as the major pipelines and refineries in the Northeast shut down during Hurricane Sandy.  Power outages and hurricane related damage are delaying efforts to restart fuel production equipment

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Christie Administration Offers Guidance to Consumers on Filing Insurance Claims after Storm

Trenton, NJ – In the aftermath of storm Sandy, one of the most devastating storms to ever strike New Jersey, the Christie Administration and Department of Banking and Acting Insurance Commissioner Ken Kobylowski today offered guidance to New Jersey consumers on filing insurance claims to restore damaged homes and repair or replace property.

“The first consideration is safety. People should wait until it is absolutely safe to return to their homes before doing so. Once people are safely able to inspect their property, there are a few basic steps they can follow to file their insurance claims, restore their property and move forward with their lives.”

“Filing claims is a significant process, especially at a time when a  resident has  lost a home or suffered major damage to property as a result of Sandy,” Acting Commissioner Kobylowski said. “But it is essential to getting all the help that consumers are entitled to under their policies.”

“I urge consumers to contact their insurance carriers as soon as possible and get the process started. The State’s insurance companies are facing an unusual event in New Jersey, but they are prepared for an increased level of activity.”

The Acting Commissioner offered the following suggestions to New Jersey residents:

Read the rest of this entry »

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Power Restored at Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant

Alert Status Terminated by the NRC

Trenton, NJ –The formal “alert’’ status at the Oyster Creek nuclear power plant in Lacey Township was terminated at 3:52 a.m. today after the water levels at the plant’s intake system decreased to normal levels, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has confirmed this morning.

Offsite power also has been restored to the nuclear power facility, which had lost electrical service due to Hurricane Sandy and was using backup generators to power water pumps that cool the fuel stored in the nuclear reactor.

Water levels at the plant’s intake system are now at about 3 feet and declining, below the six-foot level that triggers a formal alert notification. The rising levels were the result of high tides, wind direction and storm surge that were caused by the storm. The notification of an “alert’’ is the second lowest NRC action level.

The NRC in a statement noted that Oyster Creek was in “safe condition,’’ with agency inspectors on site.

Formal notifications of the alert were properly made, as required by the Exelon Corp, owners of the plant, to the NRC, state Department of Environmental Protection and state Office of Emergency Management.

The Oyster Creek reactor had been off-line prior to Sandy for previously scheduled refueling and maintenance operations. The DEP and NRC continue to observe operations at Oyster Creek and the state’s other nuclear facilities.

DEP nuclear engineers monitor daily operations at the state’s power plants on a regular basis and will continue to monitor their status throughout the aftermath of the storm. Under the New Jersey Radiation Accident Response Act, the DEP and State Police coordinate and implement comprehensive state, county, and municipal response to nuclear emergencies and establish requirements for protecting the public in the event of nuclear emergencies.

The state has highly trained staff ready to initiate, at a moment’s notice, an effective response to any nuclear power plant issue.

For NRC news releases on monitoring of nuclear power plants during the storm, visit: http://www.nrc.gov/

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Christie Administration Urges Residents to Be Aware of Food Safety Issues Following Sandy

Trenton, NJ – The Christie Administration and Health Commissioner Mary O’Dowd urge all residents to throw away any food that may have come in contact with flood or storm waters and individuals that have suffered power outages should keeptheir refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.

Commissioner O’Dowd urged all residents to dispose of any perishable food that may have been above 40 degrees for two hours or more. Food will stay cold in the refrigerator for about four hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. However, food above 40 degrees for 2 hours or more must be discarded.

“Perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, and eggs that are not kept adequately refrigerated or frozen may cause illness if consumed, even when they are thoroughly cooked,” said Health Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd.

Thawed food that contains ice crystals or is 40 degrees or below can be refrozen or cooked. If you plan to eat refrigerated or frozen meat, poultry, fish or eggs while it is still at safe temperatures, it’s important that each item is thoroughly cooked to the proper temperature to assure that any foodborne bacteria that may be present is destroyed.

Information about municipalities that have issued boiled water advisories as well as instructions for safely boiling water for drinking can be found at http://www.nj.gov/health/er/documents/hurricane_health_safety_tips.pdf.

Below are some additional food safety tips to prevent illness during power outages, flooding and hurricane conditions:

• Add block ice or dry ice to your refrigerator if the     electricity is expected to be off for more than four hours. Fifty pounds     of dry ice should keep an 18-cubic foot fully-stocked freezer cold for two     days.

• Discard any food that is not in a waterproof     container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with flood     water. Food containers that are not waterproof include those with     screw-off caps, snap lids and pull tops.

• Discard cardboard juice/milk/baby formula boxes and     home canned foods if they have come in contact with flood water, because     they cannot be effectively cleaned and sanitized.

• Inspect canned foods and discard any food in damaged     cans. Can damage is shown by swelling, leakage, punctures, holes,     fractures, extensive deep rusting, or crushing/denting severe enough to     prevent normal stacking or opening with a manual, wheel-type can opener.

• Check to ensure that the freezer temperature is at     or below 0 °F and the refrigerator is at or below 40 degrees

• Wash fruits and vegetables with water from     a safe source before eating.

• For infants, if using formula, try to use prepared,     canned baby formula that requires no added water. When using concentrated     or powdered formulas, prepare with bottled water if the local water source     is potentially contaminated.

• During power outages, the appliance     thermometers will indicate the temperatures in the refrigerator and     freezer to help you determine if the food is safe.

Once Power is Restored . . .

You’ll need to determine the safety of your food. Here’s how:

• If an appliance thermometer was kept in the freezer,     check the temperature when the power comes back on. If the freezer     thermometer reads 40 degrees or below, the food is safe and may be     refrozen.
• If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check     each package of food to determine its safety. You can’t rely on     appearance or odor. If the food still contains ice crystals or is     40 degrees or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook.
• Refrigerated food should be safe as long as the     power was out for no more than 4 hours and the refrigerator door     was kept shut. Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish,     eggs or leftovers) that has been above 40°F for two hours or more.

For additional information on food safety and power outages, please visit http://www.nj.gov/health/er/natural.shtmland http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/recovery.asp.

Posted: October 30th, 2012 | Author: admin | Filed under: Hurricane Sandy, Press Release | Tags: Food Safety, Hurricane Sandy | Comments Off on Christie Administration Urges Residents to Be Aware of Food Safety Issues Following Sandy

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