Somerset County Government Emergency Operations Center Activated To Respond To Winter Storm Gail

Press release from the Somerset County Government:

Post Date: 12/16/2020 6:53 PM

Somerville, NJ – The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders asks residents to stay safe throughout the winter storm. Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in New Jersey for Winter Storm Gail as of 2 p.m. on Dec. 16 that is anticipated to last through late tomorrow. Under the State of Emergency, residents are asked to stay off the roads except for absolutely necessary travel so that local, county, and state crews can do their job and get the roads clear.

Somerset County activated its Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday afternoon for Winter Storm Gail. The EOC, which includes staff from throughout county government, coordinates the county’s response to impacts of the storm with local, state and national authorities.

Power Outages
We want everyone to be as safe as possible, including being prepared for power outages. If you do experience a power outage, notify your utility company as soon as possible. If you need to seek shelter, contact your town to find out about available warming centers.

JCP&L Emergency Number: 888-LIGHTS (1-888-544-4877)

• JCP&L Report Power Outages: https://www.firstenergycorp.com/content/customer/outages_help/Report_Power_Outages.html
• JCP&L Outage Map: http://outages.firstenergycorp.com/nj.html

PSE&G Emergency Number: 800-436-PSEG (7734)

• PSE&G Report Outage/Map: Text OUT to 4PSEG (47734) or visit https://nj.pseg.com/outageandgasleaks

Tips for staying safe during a winter storm.

• If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing.
  • Be sure to have several clean masks to use in case your mask becomes wet or damp from snow.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
• Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow or walking in the snow.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• If it is safe to do so, check on neighbors while following the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on maintaining social and physical distancing.
• If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible.
• If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and let the operator know if you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a mask before help arrives.

Follow communication channels and emergency alerts to stay informed. Residents can sign up to receive Somerset County emergency alerts by visiting: www.co.somerset.nj.us/alerts. Other trusted sources include local municipal officials, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Preparedness (http://www.ready.nj.gov/) and FEMA (www.ready.gov).

This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.