Politics & Government

Watchung Ends Hurricane Emergency

After two weeks, power restored to nearly all residents.

Watchung Borough is lifting the emergency proclamation issued Oct. 29 as of 4 p.m. today, the borough announced.

The emergency proclamation had beed declared the day Hurricane Sandy struck New Jersey, and knocked out the electrical supply for the entire borough and many other communities in the state.

During the emergency, residents were advised to limit driving in the immediate aftermath of the storm when roads and streets were littered with trees and power lines.

Find out what's happening in Watchung-Green Brookwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While the emergency proclcamtion is ending, the cleanup from the storm is ongoing. Representatives of FEMA are still working in the borough and will be going door-to-door to speak to residents, and address their concerns. 

Residents have until the end of the month to apply for disaster aid from FEMA. To apply or for more information go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. FEMA opened an assistance center for Somerset County residents at the Somerset County Human Services Center, 27 Warren St., Somerville.

Find out what's happening in Watchung-Green Brookwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

And many lines are still littering roadsides—borough officials remind rsidents the lines can still be dangerous, even if not directly linked to live power supplies. Solar panels or incorrectly connected generators can put a charge into the lines which can dangerous— keep all children and pets away. 

Officials also note many trees that are damaged and leaning can fall at anytime. Report any downed wires to the Police Department’s non-emergency number at 908-756-3663.

Currently, the borough is waiting for recomendations from FEMA before beginning tree and branch removal. As soon as a scheduled for pickup is made, it will be posted on the borough website. 


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