Damaged Water Pipes, Burglar Alarms In Basking Ridge After Earthquake

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Authorities investigated odors, burglar alarms and damaged pipes in Bernards Township following a 4.8 magnitude earthquake on Friday.

Bernards Township Police Department(BTPD) reported responding to several burglar alarm activations.

BTPD officers, Liberty Corner Fire Company(LCFC), and Bernards Township Construction officials also went a multi-unit building on Baldwin Court for a water pipe that separated from the hot water heater.

The unit and other adjacent units were flooded by the damaged pipe. Water to the affected unit was shut off by patrol officers and LCFC, said police.

BTPD and LCFC went to Alexandria Way for an odor investigation reported by PSE&G. The odor was unfounded, and all responding emergency service assets cleared the location without incident.

Bernards Township OEM was activated and monitored the event along with Somerset County OEM.

Police also sent out an alert to residents to "Only contact PD or 911 for emergencies."

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake detected with an epicenter identified seven kilometers north northeast of Whitehouse Station in New Jersey, according to the United States Geological Survey, which monitors earthquakes.

Reports of buildings shaking began about 10:20 a.m. and lasted for approximately 30 seconds.

Our region just experienced an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.7, with an epicenter near Readington in Hunterdon County.

We have activated our State Emergency Operations Center. Please do not call 911 unless you have an actual emergency. https://t.co/Szt5fWyIs9
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) April 5, 2024

Read More: 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks NJ

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