Updates from the Township of Millburn

September 5, 10:00 a.m.

Resource Guide for Recovery from Tropical Storm Ida

President Biden has approved an emergency declaration for New Jersey. After FEMA conducts their assessment, NJ could receive a "major declaration", which could include individual financial assistance, hazard mitigation funding, and reimbursement for a broader range of damages. FEMA has agreed to conduct an expedited review of NJ’s damages to support a major declaration. They are currently on the ground throughout the state. Governor Murphy has allocated $10 million for businesses impacted by the storm.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to start their insurance claims as soon as possible. The resources below offer guidance on various forms of assistance and aid from federal and state agencies:

NJ Hurricane Ida assistance: https://www.nj.gov/health/er/emergency-preparedness/hurricane-readiness/

FEMA Hurricane Ida assistance: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/hurricane-ida

Red Cross Shelter Finder: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html

Information on Dept. of Transportation road closures: https://511nj.org/home

Information from the Insurance Council of NJ: https://icnj.org/consumers-policy-makers/

NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance Guidance on Filing Insurance Claims: https://www.nj.gov/dobi/NJDOBIInsuranceClaimsAfterStorm.pdf

Homeowners: https://icnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Homeowners-Post-Disaster-Insurance-Manual.pdf

Businesses: https://www.iii.org/article/filing-business-insurance-claim-after-disaster

Auto Resources: https://www.insure.com/car-insurance/flood-damaged-cars-tips.html

NJ Dept. of Human Services Mental Health Hotline and Resources: https://www.njmentalhealthcares.org/

September 4, 11: 30 a.m.

Millburn Township emergency services continue to work around the clock in the Township to assist with recovery efforts.

Township Update

As of this morning, the Fire Department has addressed all reported calls for service in their queue. If for some reason your reported service call has not been addressed, please contact our Fire Department at (973) 564-7035. Please note that the Fire Department can only assist with pumping standing water in your basement, if you have 2” or more of standing water
With businesses and residents cleaning up and airing out their properties, the Police Department continues to dispatch additional patrols town-wide for areas where storm debris cleanup is still underway. During the recovery phase of Ida, PD towed close to 30 vehicles that were abandoned or displaced around Millburn. If your car is missing, please call C&L Towing in East Hanover at (973) 386-9866 or Livingston Collision at (973) 992-5274.

Please note that the Police Department will not be enforcing overnight parking restrictions in residential areas at this time.

Public Works continues to work hard on storm-related cleanup in a phased approach. The current focus is on health and hazard. Other concerns such as catch basins will be addressed at a later phase.

Public works has started storm related debris removal in the South Mountain area today and will be back on Tuesday, September 7 to continue debris removal. Bulk debris removal for residents and businesses in other areas of the Township will begin on Tuesday, September 7. This will allow enough time for those that may be waiting on basement waters to recede or be pumped to access the debris they need to remove. Please place storm related debris on the curb and not in the street. Please note that Public Works will be passing every street in the Township to collect storm related debris and will assume that any items left on the curb are for debris collection. Please DO NOT put out any hazardous material for collection.

We ask that residents that have not been impacted by flooding of their basement or other areas of their property avoid using this opportunity to get rid of items. Please remember the Public Works Yard can always be utilized by residents to dispose of debris.

Explore Millburn/Short Hills has launched fundraising efforts to assist Millburn businesses. More information is available at https://exploremillburnshorthills.org/donate.

September 3, 4:00 p.m.

Millburn Township emergency services continue to work around the clock to help get the Township back on its feet again following Ida.

Township Update

The Fire Department has completed more than 670 calls for service since the start of the storm, with more pending. If you are still in need of assistance with pumping out your basement and have already called the Township, rest assured your name has been added to a queue and will be attended to as soon as crews and pumps become available. We ask that residents do not call back multiple times as this may slow response time.
With businesses and residents cleaning up and airing out their properties, the Police Department has dispatched additional patrols town-wide and around the clock to bolster security. During the recovery phase of Ida, PD towed close to 30 vehicles that were abandoned or displaced around Millburn. If your car is missing, please call C&L Towing in East Hanover at (973) 386-9866 or Livingston Collision at (973) 992-5274.
Public Works continues to work hard on storm-related cleanup. Bulk debris removal for residents will begin on Tuesday, September 7. This will allow enough time for those that may be waiting on basement waters to recede or be pumped to access the debris they need to remove. We ask that residents that have not been impacted by flooding of their basement or other areas of their property avoid using this opportunity to get rid of items. Please remember the Public Works Yard can always be utilized by residents to dispose of debris.
Explore Millburn/Short Hills has launched fundraising efforts to assist Millburn businesses. More information is available at https://exploremillburnshorthills.org/donate.

What to do after a flood

We know that many of our residents were severely impacted by flood damage as a result of this storm and are in need of help. If your home was flooded, read the below tips on what to do after a basement flooding:

Put Safety First: If your basement is flooded, put your safety first. A flooded basement can pose an electrical hazard to you and your family members, so, if possible, turn off the circuit breakers to your basement or contact an electrician to help you assess whether it’s safe to enter the basement for water removal or not. Any electronics that are in contact with floodwater are unsafe!
Document the Damage: Throughout the entire process, including the removal of water and afterwards, document the process of the flooding and damage through photos so that you are able to submit them to your insurance company.
Move Important Items to a Dry Area: Once it is safe to enter the basement, remove important items, upholstered furniture or items in boxes that are standing in water and bring them to a dry area. If water has been standing for too long, it can become dangerous to enter and the water removal process may require additional assistance by professionals.
Remove the Water: It is important that you remove water as quickly as possible, as a damp environment gives mold the change to grow, which could increase property damage costs. If you have high levels of water, call the Millburn Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 564-7000 for a pump-out, or hire a trusted and licensed third-party contractor.
Dry the Area: Once you have removed the water, your basement will not dry on its own. To assist in the drying process, use fans or industrial blowers, a dehumidifier and dry mops to help remove any excess water and minimize the chance of mold.
Call your Insurance Company: Now that the area is cleaned up and safe, call your homeowners insurance to file a claim for damages. Homeowners insurance and renters insurance often requires special flood insurance for flooding caused by natural disasters, but it is always a good idea to call and report the claim even if it is not covered. Flood coverage is an add-on to your regular policy, so you’ll want to be sure you’re covered before you need it. Most standard insurance policies cover flood damage caused by appliance failure or a burst pipe.
Clean, Sanitize, Deodorize: Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean all walls that came in contact with water. Along with your dehumidifier and blowers, a HEPA air purifier will help filter out mold spores and allergens. Once your basement is dry and all water removed, continue to check your basement every day after the flood and keep an eye out for mold. If you see a suspicious-looking spot, clean the area with bleach and warm water. Third party contractors are trained in cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing from this type of damage. If needed, give them a call!
Prevent Future Floods: After heavy rain and/or flooding are over, try to figure out what caused the issue. Did a heavy storm flood your lawn and drain into the basement? Do you have cracks in your foundation? Do you need to replace your sump pump or upgrade it to a newer model? Talk to professionals to learn how to update make improvement or repairs to prevent another flood.

Visit floodsmart.gov for more information on what to do after a flood.

Frauds and Scams

Be aware of frauds and scams related to Hurricane Ida. After a disaster, scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals often attempt to take advantage of survivors. Homeowners are likely to see more instances of scams about government loans or grants in response to possible damage. Legitimate contractors and government agencies will never send unsolicited offers nor ask for large sums of money.

People claiming to represent FEMA

You may receive phone calls or unexpected visits to your home from people claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors or people claiming they work for FEMA. The person might ask for your Social Security number and income or banking information. FEMA representatives will have a laminated badge and your FEMA registration number.
Protect the privacy of your nine-digit FEMA case/registration number. Legitimate FEMA housing inspectors will NOT ask for this information.
Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

Fake offers of local or federal aid

Don’t trust anyone who asks for money to help you obtain assistance. Federal and local disaster workers do not ask for or accept money. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.
Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for a large cash deposit or other payments in full.

Fraudulent building contractors

Use licensed or verified local contractors with reliable references.
Don’t pay more than half the costs of repairs in advance.
Demand that contractors detail the job you expect them to do and ask them to give you a written estimate.

Fraudulent charitable solicitations.

Criminals exploit survivors by sending fake communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions.
Do not respond to unsolicited emails, watch out for pushy telemarketers and look out for fake charities that sound real by using similar names.

FEMA Disaster Assistance Information

For eligible individuals, FEMA disaster assistance may help with uncovered expenses like temporary housing assistance or other needs.

To learn more and apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or download FEMA App from the Apple or Google Play stores.

September 2, 10:00 a.m.

Millburn Township residents and businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Ida that need assistance with non-life threatening situations can contact Millburn Township's call center at (973)-564-7000 between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Please only contact the Millburn Fire Department or Police Department for life threatening situations.

September 2, 8:00 a.m.

Please be advised that Millburn Township is still under a flood warning at this time. Cleanup operations are in progress and we are beginning to take non-emergency calls. There are still life threatening situations happening and those continue to take priority for our emergency services.

We are not yet out of the woods with this storm. Please remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

September 1, 11:40 p.m.

Residents are advised that our Fire and Police Departments are currently responding to extreme and life-threatening situations only, including water rescues and stranded pedestrians. Please do not call 911 at this time for non-emergency situations, such as water pumping and debris removal. Reserve the lines for true emergencies ONLY.

If you are experiencing flooding inside your home, please do not call 911 and do not enter your basement. Stay away from electrical boxes.

Once we are through the worst of the storm, Fire and Police will begin responding to non-threatening reports. We will communicate when we are responding to non-emergency situations.

Additional information to follow. Residents may visit the Latest News section of our website for continued updates.

August 31, 3:30 p.m.

Millburn Township is closely monitoring the trajectory and impacts of Hurricane Ida’s remnants. The storm is projected to reach our area by Wednesday or Thursday of this week, with significant rains and potential flooding expected. A flood watch is in effect until Thursday September 2 at 8:00pm. If you notice flooding in your area, call the Police Department at 973-564-7001. If your situation is emergent and requires evacuation, please dial 911. We are asking residents that are in areas prone to flooding to keep an eye on water levels of small streams, brooks and the East and West branches of the Rahway River.

Updates will be made via Township Social Media and through SwiftReach as necessary. Stay up-to-date by signing up for Millburn’s emergency alerts on SwiftReach, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and check our website for news updates.

We would like to take this time to inform residents on the preparations we will put in place in case of an extreme weather event. The following steps are initiated once a severe weather event shows signs of reaching our region:

Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works begins the process of opening outflow pipes, catch basins, and walking the rivers to clear brush and potential hazards. We have drained the Taylor Park Pond due to expected rain levels and the potential for flooding during the storm. They service and prepare all 10 submersible pumps which are used during clean up to expedite the removal of standing water. A generator is placed ahead of time at the Gilbert Place pump station. All sanitary pump stations have emergency generators installed.

Fire Department

The Fire Department evaluates staffing levels should they need to mobilize in the event of a storm. Pumps and generators are readied. The department stocks up on gasoline, checks equipment and conducts last-minute maintenance preparations.

Police Department

The Police Department evaluates its staffing levels, and is prepared to respond to an emergency should the need arise.

What You Can Do:

The Township encourages residents to visit the Township’s Office of Emergency Management page to find helpful links and tips for storm preparation and safety. Our OEM page has documents with information for pet owners, senior citizens, people with disabilities, commuters, and more. Links to FEMA, NJOEM, and Ready.gov are also included.

Do1Thing is a 12-month program that makes it easy for you to prepare yourself, your family, and your community for emergencies or disasters. Visit the Do1Thing website for tips and precautionary steps that can be taken before a storm.

Remember:

Know the phone numbers for your utility companies
- JCP&L: 1-888-544-4877
- NJAW: 1-800-272-1325
- PSE&G: 1-800-436-7734
Always assume a downed wire is "live" and has electricity still flowing through it.
Do not approach downed lines or downed trees that may have power lines entangled in it.
If you are in your vehicle and downed wires fall on it, stay in your car and call 911 for help.
Be Prepared before threats are known.

Ready.gov Basic Preparedness Tips:

Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.
Put together a go-bag: disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate
If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
Make a family emergency communication plan.
Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet with your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts.”

For updates regarding electric, gas and water, please visit the following websites using these links:

JCP&L Website, Twitter and Facebook:

PSE&G Website, Twitter and Facebook:

New Jersey American Water Company Website, Twitter and Facebook