Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Lightning, Gas Leaks

Shore communities battened down the hatches in preparation for Hurricane Irene. Officials urge residents to during the hurricane, which is predicted to arrive in New Jersey on Sunday.

Climatologists say .   Irene could be similar to those experienced during Hurricane Floyd in 1999. in response to the threat of Irene.

for hurricane safety both and during the storm. This includes updates from and officials, , information on and a .

As always, though, . Please don’t hesitate to send any updates to the conditions of your neighborhood or streets to Chatham Patch editor Laura Silvius at Laura.Silvius@Patch.com.

Gov. Chris Christie said the until the hurricane is over. He also ordered Saturday in anticipation of Irene. The Morris County Parks Commission announced .

In case power goes out, iPhone users can by downloading the Patch app. We’ll have updated safety notices throughout Hurricane Irene, including downed trees, flooded roads and the latest released from local government officials.

A Tuesday. Click here to .

Our Parents Council after the earthquake, which could come in handy as New Jersey prepared for Hurricane Irene.

For the second time in as many weeks, . Township fire, police and emergency squad officials responded to a small house fire caused by the lightning strike Thursday morning. The fire was quickly contained and fire officials said residents would be able to occupy the house without delay.

Chatham Borough started on Monday. On Thursday the pavers struck an unmarked water valve accompanying a PSE&G gas pipe and , which was quickly fixed and contained.

Chatham Borough police and fire officials responded to a . Six residents went to the hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning treatment.

Borough police responded to a and injured her face and head Thursday at the intersection of Fairmount Avenue and 2nd Street.

Accused murderer Jose Feliciano was in court Monday for a pretrial hearing. The Hon. Thomas V. Manahan in preparation for the trial. Jury selection is slated to start on Sept. 6.

A Chatham resident and former detective with the Madison Police Department . As part of the plea, James N. Haspel will face a prison sentence and must register as a sex offender and forfeit any future public employment.

The Board of Education as required by law during their Monday night meeting, and announced that construction at various schools, including the new parking lot expansion at Chatham High School, is on Sept. 6.

Nicole Hagner, the mayor of Chatham Township and GOP candidate for the General Assembly from the 27th district, , to address the for public employees places on taxpayers.

Diane O’Brien, the director of the Library of the Chathams, said she has some at the library and the difficulties it could present to staff and patrons.

Jim O’Neill, the former superintendent of Chatham schools, was on Monday night. Annette Brooks, the president of Roxbury’s Board of Education, said she was “very, very excited” about the appointment.

The Open Space Committee in Chatham Township committed to keeping the 17-acre Averett property, recently acquired by the township, as public open space. They to enhance public enjoyment of the area.

The with three of its “most wanted” performers: Julie Gold, Amy Speace and Seth Glier. The concert is definitely on for Saturday despite the weather, according to Coordinator Scott Sheldon, and will begin at 8 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township.

Karen Swartz, a Chatham Township resident, wants help from her neighbors to gift The Eric Johnson House in Morristown with 19 gallons worth of travel-sized toiletries. Donations will be accepted until Sept. 16.