Morris County Freeholders Share 'Frustration' In Storm Recovery

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ - Impatience to restore power and roadways in the aftermath of Tuesday's tropical storm has dominated social media for the past 48 hours and Freeholder Director Deborah Smith says she is here for it.

"At the outset, you should know we share your frustration over what seems to be an inordinate delay in reopening our roads and restoring power to many neighborhoods," said Smith, speaking on behalf of the entire Freeholder board. "What you need to know is that our county Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is actively working with utilities and first responders in all 39 towns to expedite the recovery."

Smith said that initially more than 150,000 JCP&L customers were robbed of power.

“The utility explained Morris County was the third hardest hit county in the state, and said
the key to restoring power and clearing roads is the ongoing repair work JCP&L is conducting at multiple substations that were knocked out by Isaias," she said, nothing that local police and officials expressed frustration with Verizon and JCP&L, especially regarding downed trees, poles and wires that have isolated entire communities.

"As this situation unfolds, we want to assure you that our county OEM is in constant contact with all local first responders, who are relaying their priority lists of road closures, water supply interruption, sewer interruption, power outages and potential hazards in every neighborhood in every town," she said. "OEM has been providing each town in need with additional generators to keep major facilities operating, coordinating the clean-up effort, and enlisting the Morris County Sheriff’s Office to provide equipment and manpower to every town in need of support."

Smith also noted the cooling stations for people in need of water and ice, while emergency officials and the county Human Services Department are keeping in direct contact with every hospital, care facility and senior complex in our county.

“Due to the COVID pandemic, our Human Services Department already developed a process of checking on our most vulnerable populations. But today our OEM reminded each town to conduct their own welfare-checks on vulnerable citizens who may require emergency services, particularly those without power who may need to relocate to the homes of family and friends," she said. "“Our Morris Area Paratransit System (MAPS) is active and available to vulnerable Morris County residents who may need to relocate. Additionally, anyone in need of assistance is being urged to dial 211. Because police and fire departments are focused on keeping residents safe and resolving dangerous situations, please do not dial 911 unless you face a life-threatening emergency.

Smith said that while the power outages and road closures are troubling for many families, all in Morris County have successfully pulled through similar situations in the past, including Hurricane Irene, the October 2011 Snowstorm and Superstorm Sandy.

"Because we have worked together, remained calm and provided our first responders with the resources necessary to restore our community to normalcy," she said. "Please rest assured, we will get beyond this crisis."

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