JCP&L Preparing For Nor'Easter In Morris County This Weekend

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Less than six months after a harsh round of nor'easters knocked out power to over 54,000 Morris County residents, the county is bracing for another strong storm— and that could mean power outages.

JCP&L said on Thursday that they are watching the forecast and are reviewing storm response plans. If there are power outages, some of the storm response steps include bringing in outside crews and additional dispatchers.

“We are taking steps now to implement our storm restoration process,” JCP&L president James V. Fakult said. “The ultimate goal of our pre-planning efforts is to speed the restoration process and minimize any inconvenience our customers experience due to the weather.”

JCP&L's storm response after the March nor'easters left some Morris County residents in the dark for two weeks. JCP&L says that was due to the series of storms and the scattershot nature of the outages, while critics blamed poor planing and response times.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for New Jersey, saying a coastal storm will affect the region Friday night through Saturday. There is the potential for strong, gusty winds, and the rain could be heavy enough to result in localized flooding.

• Read More: Nor'easter Now Looking Likely For NJ, With Possible 60-MPH Winds

If your power goes out, there are multiple ways to report it to the company:

• Text OUT to 544487
• Online at www.jcp-l.com
• Use the JCP&L smartphone app (iPhone and Android)
• Via the "Report an Outage" tab here on Facebook (http://statictab.com/h8vmadi from a mobile device)
• Call 888-LIGHTSS (888-544-4877)

Madison residents need to report outages directly to the borough by calling 973-966-7330.

You can also take these simple steps to keep your home safe, courtesy of JCP&L:

• Keep a flashlight, portable radio and fresh batteries handy.
• Have extra blankets or a sleeping bag for each person.
• Have bottled water on hand, especially if you have a water well and pump.
• Stock an emergency supply of convenience food that do not require cooking.
• Assemble a first-aid kit.
• Gather prescription medications and other personal health items.
• Keep a charged cell phone and a car charger handy in case of an emergency or to report your electricity is out.
• Tune to a local radio station for storm information and warnings that may be issued.

PSE&G has these tips:

• Prepare your home for high winds, securing outdoor objects.

• Downed wires should always be considered "live." Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything it might be in contact with. If a wire falls on or near your car, stay inside the car, call 911, and do not get out until a power company deenergizes the line. If you MUST get out of the vehicle because it is on fire, jump as far as possible away from the vehicle, with both feet landing on the ground at the same time, and hop or shuffle away.
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not run any gasoline powered engine, including generators and snowblowers, in a garage or any other enclosed space.

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