Somerset County Urges Residents To Stay Safe And Look After Each Other During Winter Storm Orlena

Press release from the Somerset County Government:

Post Date:01/31/2021 7:43 PM

Somerville, NJ – The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners is urging all residents to follow the State of Emergency rules issued by Governor Phil Murphy as of 7 p.m. Sunday, January 31, 2021. Winter Storm Orlena has already begun with heavy snow, and is expected to bring between 10 and 18 inches of snow to the area. Residents are asked not to travel on the roads to allow crews to clear and limit the need for emergency service responses.

“For their own safety and that of our great road crews and first responders, we are asking Somerset County residents to limit traveling on the roads during this winter storm unless absolutely necessary,” said Commissioner Doug Singleterry, liaison to Public Health and Safety. “Please check on neighbors who may need assistance, though we ask that everyone continue to practice COVID safety measures when you do so.”

The Office on Aging & Disability Services will be suspending curbside services, but clients and caregivers can call (888) 747-1122 and leave a brief message with a name, address and phone number and staff will return the call as soon as possible.

Meals on Wheels deliveries are suspended for February 1, and clients are encouraged to use frozen and shelf-stable meals that were delivered earlier in the season.

All Somerset County transportation services, including SCOOT, DASH, and CAT are cancelled for February 1. Any additional changes to services will be announced.

Recycling services will experience significant delays, and residents in areas scheduled for early this week are asked to leave their recycling at the curb until it can be picked up. More information is available at https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/Home/Components/News/News/4203/17.

Important Tips to Remember When Preparing for Winter Weather:

• Secure loose items in your yard such as trash cans, children's toys, and lawn decorations.
• Build an emergency kit that includes supplies for the whole family, including pets. Due to COVID-19 there are a few updates to preparing for this winter season such as including hand soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant supplies and cloth face coverings in your emergency kits/go-bags.
• Have cash on hand. If the power is out, so are the ATMs and credit card machines.
• Know how to report a power outage to your utility company.
• Know where your utility shut off valves (gas, electric, water) are and how to use them.
• NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.
• Be sure to keep an adequate amount of gas in your car.
• Be sure to check on friends and neighbors who have access or functional needs. Due to COVID-19, in person visits may not be ideal under certain circumstances. Please adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear a mask. Use other means of communication such as phone, text or video chat to check on neighbors and help prepare them.
• Be sure to have extra medications on hand and keep them in a water-resistant container.
• Get all of your vital records and insurance papers together now. Keep them in a water-resistant container. If you can, scan and email them to yourself so you have a copy of important numbers and policies, etc.
• Charge your cell phones and try not to use them if the power goes out.

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