Community Corner

Nor'easter Closes Chatham Schools, Municipal Offices

Storm could produce more than a foot of snow and cause power outages.

The Nor'easter that could produce more than a foot of snow has closed Chatham schools and all municipal offices Thursday.

Chatham Schools will be closed Thursday and "every effort will be made to hold school on Friday," according to a message on the district's website. A notice regarding school on Friday will be sent out Thursday evening, the district said on the website.

A winter storm warning has been issued until 6 a.m. Friday with 8 to 14 inches of snow and nearly an inch of ice is expected, according to the National Weather Service.

The Township Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday night has been postponed to Tuesday at 7 p.m. The township municipal building and the senior center will be closed Thursday. Borough municipal offices are also closed Thursday and expected to reopen at 8 a.m. Friday.

Dangerous travel conditions are expected Thursday with heavy snow mixing with sleet before changing back to all snow, the NWS said. The heavy wet snow combined with potential wind gusts of 30 miles per hour could down tree limbs and power lines, the NWS said.

"Please take all necessary precautions to prepare yourself and your family in advance of the inclement weather," Mayor Kevin Sullivan said. "Please also check on your elderly neighbors and be prepared to remove any snow from fire hydrants to ensure easy access by the fire department."

To report power outages, call JCP&L at 888-544-4877. Township residents can also register for Alert Chatham Township Now to receive emergency information.

Chatham Township also provides the following information and tips:

Restoring power outages:

Residents should report power outages to JCP&L by:

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

  • Call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877)
  • Report outages online
  • Text: Text OUT to 544487 (register first by texting REG to 544487 (LIGHTS) to get started.)
  • Download the free JCP&L app for your Apple iPhone and AndroidTM smartphone—use the keyword "FirstEnergy" to locate the apps in the online store.
Power outage updates:
Downed wires:
  • Residents should report downed wires to 1-888-544-4877 or to the police or fire department—never go near a downed power line, even if you think it is no longer carrying electricity.
Home preparation:
  • Residents are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of outages caused by winter storms:
  • Keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy. Use care when burning candles; open flames are a fire hazard.
  • Gather extra blankets or a sleeping bag for each person. Do not use gas stoves, kerosene heaters or other open-flame heat sources to prevent deadly carbon monoxide gas from building up in your home.
  • If you have a water well and pump, keep an emergency supply of bottled water and/or fill your bathtub with fresh water.
  • Stock an emergency supply of convenience foods that do not require cooking.
  • Keep a battery-powered radio with extra batteries on hand. Tune to a local station for current storm information.
  • Have a hard-wired telephone or a charged cell phone handy in the event you need to report your electricity is out. Mobile phones can be charged in your vehicle using a car charger when the power is out. If you have a smart phone, this will ensure you have access to online information sources.


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