Manchester Mayor Urges Residents To Stay Out Of Storm

(Mayor Kenneth Palmer meets with other township officials, members of the police department and the township’s Office of Emergency Management to review plans for dealing with the blizzard. Credit: Gregory Kyriakakis)

Manchester Township is prepared for any emergency situations that come with the blizzard bearing down on the Northeast, township officials said Monday afternoon.

Mayor Kenneth Palmer sat down the township’s Police Department, Office of Emergency Management and other township officials, and reviewed plans for the response.

In addition, officials urged residents to shelter at home and exercise caution while dealing with the storm, particularly power outages and other hazardous conditions.

“Stay off the roads, allowing our emergency vehicles to clear the roadways and respond to emergency situations. Please park your vehicles on driveways and off of the roads,” officials said.

Other reminders from township officials include:

• Register for Nixle alerts by texting Manchester to 888777; the instant text message and email alerts provide critical information from Manchester and state officials. Registration also can be completed online; visit www.manchesterpolicenj.com/sign-up-for-emergency-notifications/
• Keep your cell phones charged. They may provide you a link in case of a power outage.
• Report power outages to JCP&L by visiting the company’s website or by calling 1-888-544-4877 — be sure to reference your location and keep your reference number.
• While some residents may be using portable generators, it is important to observe safety procedures. Do not operate a generator close to a home or inside a garage, basement or enclosed space. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer because you can’t see, smell, taste or hear it. Exposure to carbon monoxide causes headaches, fatigue, confusion, nausea, impaired vision and death.
• Call and check on family and neighbors who may be at risk for cold-related injuries. People with medical conditions should take special care before performing any strenuous activity.

“Please be safe, smart, and stay at home,” Mayor Palmer said.

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