Toms River Mayor Updates Hurricane Sandy Issues

The following information as submitted by Mayor Tom Kelaher's office overnight:

TOMS RIVER TOWNSHIP- While Town Hall is closed due to lack of power, officials are working around the clock to aid residents.  Toms River Township Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher has made a list of immediate priorities for the residents affected by the storm.  Mayor Kelaher will send out periodic updates, so please check the website often.

FEMA
Kelaher says, “My number one priority is to have all residents who have damage to their homes, contact FEMA as soon as possible, starting right now. The Federal Emergency Management Association has declared New Jersey as a major disaster area, which means that residents are entitled to Federal funding to help recover and rebuild homes.”

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.

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

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.

Shelters
As of today, residents that are being housed in shelters may need to be transported to a Burlington County shelter long-term, or find temporary housing in the area.  More updates will be provided daily.

When can I check on my home?
Police Chief Mike Mastronardy said that residents of the barrier island MIGHT be able to visit their homes as early as Monday, November 5th 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.

Bob Hannah, President of the Board of Public Utilities, said on a statewide conference call that the Natural Gas system is so comprised 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, “ Hannah stated.  A plume of methane gas will be in air.  It’s not dangerous, but there will be a foul smell. 

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.

Trick-or-Treating
Governor Chris Christie has designated Monday, November 5th for trick-or-treating.

Questions
For non-emergencies and questions about road closures, contact the Toms River Police Department at 732-349-0150

Check back later for an update from Mayor Kelaher regarding Donations, Elections, Recreation, the Senior Center and Power Restoration.  Updates will be sent to the media as well as on the Township website at www.TomsRiverTownship.com