JCP&L Upgrading Emergency Communications

Utility installing components at operations center in Morristown.

JCP&L is taking steps to improve its ability to communicate with first responders during a large-scale emergency. The utility will install components of the New Jersey Preparedness Emergency Communication Network at its regional dispatching operations in Morristown and Red Bank, spokesman Ron Morano said Thursday. The facilities manage the daily work on the company's electrical system and provide coordination when repair crews are dispatched during widespread power outages. “Participating in this system will enhance our ability to share real-time critical information with our customers, communities and first responders during emergency situations,” JCP&L President Don Lynch said in a release. “Joining this system is one of the many things …

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Sandy Lessons Should Steer Rebuilding Effort

Politicians have to make tough—perhaps expensive—decisions and need to start taking action.

It’s been three weeks since Superstorm Sandy blew through New Jersey, and past time to begin figuring out how to minimize losses the next time. Some solutions involve building; some, doing the opposite. Just as the attacks of Sept. 11 brought talk of rebuilding, there have been vows to restore the shore back to Oct. 28, 2012, as if nothing had happened. That would be a huge and costly mistake. It is not politically correct to say that at least some of what was destroyed should not be rebuilt. But it’s the truth. Barrier islands are aptly named. They are supposed to serve as barriers for the shoreline. When a major storm like Sandy or Irene hits, they will take the brunt of it and provide some measure of protection for the mainland. They …

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Letter to the Editor

Jefferson Resident Reaches Out to Governor

Residents becoming restless as wait for power approaches two-week mark.

A letter from Jefferson Township resident Tracy Monfre, which was sent to Governor Christie regarding the power outages caused by Hurricane Sandy. Governor Christie, Can you please help me to understand how priorities are being set in communities in regards to restoring power, in particular my community, Jefferson Township, NJ. Gov. Christie, we have now passed the 11-day mark with no power, no heat, no running water and no generators. As the mother of two boys, 6 and 8, I understand the need to establish normalcy again. There has been nothing normal about our lives for the past 11 days. Normal is not boiling water to sit in three inches of water to bathe in a home where the thermostat registers 40 degrees. Normal is not myself, my husband…

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Sandy Knocked Out Power to 87% of Morris County, OEM Says

'Everyone's overwhelmed,' said Jeffrey S. Paul, coordinator for the county Office of Emergency Management.

Tropical Storm Sandy knocked out power to about 87 percent of an electric company's customers in Morris County, the Morris County Office of Emergency Management coordinator said Tuesday. Along with the widespread power outages, a "tremendous amount of hazards" exist on roads throughout the county, and officials are encouraging the public to stay home so crews can address issues, including down trees, wires and utility poles, on main thoroughfares, said Jeffrey S. Paul, coordinator for the county OEM. "We did get hit pretty hard," Paul said. "Everyone's doing a great job. Certainly everyone's overwhelmed." Paul said Jersey Central Power & Light had about 170,000 customers in Morris County without power on Tuesday, including more than 20,000…

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