Pipe Freeze Warning Issued Amid Power Outage In Ortley Beach

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A "long-term" power outage in the Ortley Beach section of Toms River has prompted a warning from authorities that homeowners should check their pipes for freezing.

The Toms River Office of Emergency Management issued the warning Friday afternoon for Ortley Beach and said homeowners should contact Jersey Central Power & Light.

There were more than 1,500 homes without electrical service on the barrier island, including in Seaside Park, Toms River and Brick, as of 3:30 p.m. Friday, according to JCP&L's outage center.

The cause of the power outage and its anticipated length were not immediately available. A message to JCP&L was not immediately answered.

Toms River officials said homeowners in the area from Colony Road to Fielder Drive need to take precautions.

Water company officials from Suez offered the following tips about how to protect their water meters and appliances from freezing pipes.

By following a few simple tips, homeowners can avoid costly repairs:

Outside the home

• Disconnect and drain the garden hose connection.
• Close all outside vents, crawl spaces and doors so cold air and wind doesn’t seep inside.
• Fix broken windows and seal cracks in the walls.

Inside the home

• Wrap the meter and water lines subject to freezing in insulation or heat tape, which is available at hardware stores.
• Make sure the shutoff valves on either side of the water meter are working properly. Place a tag on the main shutoff valve. Make sure everyone knows where it is and how to use it during an emergency.
• Check the water meter periodically. Contact the water company if you notice any damage.
• If you have had problems in the past, you may want to keep a trickle of water running from the highest faucet during frigid weather. You will be billed for the water used, but this may help prevent costly plumbing repairs that result from broken pipes.

If you won’t be home

• If you’re going away for an extended period, keep a minimum amount of heat on in the house. This will help protect the pipes in case the temperature drops.
• If you plan to turn the heat off, drain all the water from the pipes, toilets and water heater, and turn off the power source to the water heater.

If the pipes freeze

• If your pipes freeze, it’s important to clear blockages as soon as possible to minimize damage. It may be best to call a licensed plumber.
• If a water pipe has burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house.
• Open a nearby faucet slightly so the pipe can drain as it thaws.
• Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water.
• Never use hot water or a blowtorch on a frozen pipe or water meter.

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