Hurricane Sandy Has Chatham Borough Preparing

Chatham Borough Mayor Bruce Harris, Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Nauta and emergency responders met Friday to discuss preparations for Hurricane Sandy.

Kevin O'Shea of the Chatham Borough Police Department said in a statement Friday the borough could experience several conditions during the storm, including:

• downed trees and power lines
• road closures
• flooding 
• power outages affecting street and traffic lights

O'Shea said residents should have three days' worth of water and food for each person in the home, as well as batteries for flashlights, cell phones and portable radios.

Residents are encouraged to remain indoors during times of high wind to avoid being injured by debris, downed power lines or falling trees.

The Chatham Borough website will have safety information, contact information and updated reports regarding Hurricane Sunday, and anyone with an emergency should call 911 during the storm.

If necessary, the Chatham Emergency Squad's borough office and the common room at the Chatham Borough Fire Department will welcome residents who need to charge their cell phones and computers.

The fire department will not pump out flooded basements until the rain has stopped and unless water is over 5 in. deep. However, if utilities are threatened by rising water, residents should call 911.

Residents should report individual power outages directly to JCP&L via their website or by phone at (888) 544-4877.