Emergency Post-Sandy Stability & Recovery Information Bulletin

The Springfield Township Committee, municipal officials and volunteers are distributing the following bulletin throughout Springfield.

As predicted, Hurricane Sandy brought heavy rain and strong winds.  Springfield officials have been in constant contact with State, County and Municipal counterparts throughout the ordeal.  The impact to Springfield, like many of our neighboring communities and throughout the State of New Jersey was tremendous and unprecedented.  The devastation and damage to critical infrastructure and personal property is extraordinary.  This destruction will affect Springfield and the State for an unknown period of time.  However, post-emergency assessments began immediately and the Township of Springfield mobilized all personnel to stabilize the town and begin recovery and restoration efforts.  The Township Committee also convened a special, emergency meeting at 10:00 a.m. and authorized emergency appropriations and expenditures.

Despite these many difficulties, we will make all reasonable efforts to communicate with and disseminate information to assist residents and businesses.  We will also update the Township website (www.springfield-nj.us) as often as possible.

• Municipal emergency offices are on generators and will likely be for days.  We are obtaining fuel and diesel to allow us to continue working for you.  Town Hall will be closed on Wednesday, October 31.  Call 973-376-0400 for Police Non-Emergency.
• Approximately 7,000 Jersey Central Power & Light customers are affected in Springfield.  The N.J. Board of Public Utilities reports statewide outages at 2.4 million which they describe as “absolutely unprecedented.”  Dozens of transmission lines, switch stations, substations and generations stations are down but they are “working feverishly to restore power.”  Prepare for prolonged outages to last at least 5-7 days, possibly longer.  Utility crews will work on large infrastructure located outside of Springfield before addressing local line issues.  We are working to establish “personal device charging stations” – the First Aid Squad is available daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. – additional locations will be announced.  If you are able to shelter with family or friends who have electricity, it is recommended you do so.
• New Jersey American Water has confirmed that 100% of customers have normal water service but nearly 100% of facilities are running on back-up generation power. Prepare for water conservation advisories and we are urging drinking water conservation.
• Please stay indoors for your safety and the safety of emergency responders. There is nothing worth venturing outside for. The prohibition on non-essential travel is still in effect.  Traffic signals are not operational.  Countless power lines have fallen and they should be considered to be energized.  We have notified the utilities of all infrastructure damage and they have acknowledged this information.
• Dozens of trees have fallen and are obstructing roads and interfering with utility infrastructure.  Countless trees have landed in homes.  Our Department of Public Works is fully staffed and has been authorized to contract additional crews.  They have a complete assessment of damage throughout town and are addressing all work in the following priority: open main municipal and county arteries, open secondary roads for emergency access (one lane first), trees off houses with jeopardized structural integrity first, trees blocking entry/exit, clean up and miscellaneous tree assists.  Call 973-376-0400 for Police Non-Emergency.  Your patience is appreciated.

Our ability and strength to come together as a patient and understanding community is important at this time.  We are working tirelessly to return to normalcy.  Help us by helping each other.  Be in touch with each other, help each other, spread the word by checking in on family, friends, neighbors, the elderly and people with special needs.  Thank you for your cooperation!