Hurricane Sandy and Toms River: Monday Updates

Recent reports from utility companies, emergency responders and Toms River Township officials for Nov. 5:

Trick or Treating is Today

Although it may not be a realistic activity on unsafe streets, trick-or-treating was rescheduled to today, according to a statement by Gov. Chris Christie.

Ocean County Mall rescheduled its Halloween mall-wide trick-or-treating and Simon Kidgits Club Spooktacular events, which now will take place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, November 5.

The Toms River Halloween Parade is now officially canceled this year.

From the Toms River Fire Co. No. 1:

"Toms River Fire Company No 1 announces that due to the ongoing impact of Hurricane Sandy the 2012 Halloween Parade is cancelled.  The fire company members and our resources have been completely deployed providing around the clock emergency services to the community since October 29.  In addition to responding to emergencies, our members are providing aid to the community and our sister fire departments that are effected by the storm.  We are also supporting our own members that have been impacted. Thank you to the community for all of your support and concerns.  We know that the Halloween Parade is a Toms River tradition that many people enjoy.  Planning for the 2013 parade will begin soon."

Relief ongoing

For a list of places residents can go to get food, water, donations and more, see this list.

Multiple relief efforst are ongoing around town.

Town Hall opens today

After losing power since the storm, the Toms River Township municipal offices will reopen today, Nov. 5. The main township number is 732-341-1000.

Township suggests donation options

Monetary donations can be sent to:

Toms River Police Foundation

PO Box 876

Toms River, NJ 08754

Work gloves, work boots and hand sanitizer is needed.  The Church of Grace & Peace is at capacity for clothing.  Donations of brand new, packaged socks and underwear are needed. Canned food and other non-perishables, bottled water, drinks, batteries and toiletries/personal care items (soap, shampoo, razors, cleansing towels, etc) will be accepted.

The Church of Grace & Peace, 1563 Old Freehold Road in Toms River. 732-349-1550

Ocean County Hunger Relief,  21 Germania Station Road (Right after BJ’s on Rt. 37) 732-505-4357. Open Mon-Fri 9-4, Sat 10-2

United Water Toms River opens water filling stations

United Water has set up a filling station for residents who are in need of water. The water filling station is located at the East Dover firehouse which is located at 629 Fischer Boulevard, Toms River. Customers can bring an empty jug or container to fill up with water.

Additionally, United Water is still asking customers to conserve water. “While United Water will do its best to keep the water flowing, we encourage our customers to take extra steps to conserve and appreciate their cooperation during this critical time.”

Customers can get updated information by calling 877-565-1456 or by visiting United Water’s website at www.unitedwater.com/uwtr.

FEMA

FEMA representatives from the Community Relations Team in NJ will be in the Toms River area wearing blue shirts, FEMA Logos and FEMA credentials to render assistance.

A FEMA field office is open at the Drum Point School in Brick Twp. effective.

To contact FEMA, use their website at www.FEMA.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

Toms River Engineers will be out to help inspect sites, and assessments will be made quickly so that businesses can open and homeowners can return to their houses.

Garbage and Recycling Collection

The Department of Public Works will resume a normal schedule starting Monday, November 5th.  There WILL be garbage pick up on Election Day.

Leave all brush and debris on your curb to be picked up.  Other than hazardous waste and pilings, all bulk items will be accepted.  Anything that was exposed to salt water will corrode and should be replaced quickly to prevent mold build up.

Power

JCP&L is focusing on the mainland areas to restore electricity.  Residents can expect to see power restored to homes and businesses along the Route 37 corridor first.  JCP&L currently has 4,000 people on the ground working to get power lines restored.

Sections of town such as the downtown Toms River area have reported power restoration this week. The current outage map shows 14,900 are without power in Toms River.

Shelters

As of today, 2 shelters in Toms River HS North (County Shelter) and HS East (Toms River Shelter) are in operation but are filled to capacity.  Some of the evacuees that are being housed in these shelters and new evacuees, may need to be transported to the other Ocean County shelter at Southern Regional High School long-term, or find temporary housing in the area.  There is also a shelter at Central Regional High School for Berkeley Twp. residents.

Shower and Laundry Stations

FEMA  is in the process of deploying a portable shower facility and laundry station for affected residents to the parking lot of the Ocean County Mall.

Beach Residents

From Toms River Township Mayor Kelaher: "We are currently developing a plan for residents of the barrier island to be able to visit their homes in the near future but only with a Police escort.  Downed power lines, large amounts of sand in the roads, and massive debris prevent people from traveling safely through the area.  Residents of Ortley Beach will NOT be allowed to live in their homes because the gas lines will be shut off to the entire barrier island.

The Board of Public Utilities, said that the Natural Gas system is so compromised that it must be shut off.  From Mantoloking to Seaside Park, the complete system must be abandoned and rebuilt.  It could be a month, at best, before homeowners can reuse gas stoves.  We need to shut off and purge the system, and all of that gas must be released into the air.  A plume of methane gas will be in air.  It’s not dangerous, but there will be a foul smell. "

Anti Looting Patrols

We encourage all residents to stay away from storm affected areas in order to allow emergency workers to continue their efforts.  Extra police patrols have been initiated to combat any possible looting or other criminal behavior with the assistance of the New Jersey State Police.  Police check points have been established to identify residents in affected areas on the mainland.

Schools

Toms River Regional Schools Superintendant Frank Roselli said that Toms River Regional Schools would be closed through next week, November 5-9.  Students will only miss two more days of school, because classes were not scheduled on Election Day and on November 8 & 9 for an NJEA conference.