Hurricane Sandy roared through the New Jersey beaches 35 miles away from Tabernacle, following the township is beginning the cleanup following the strong winds and rain Sandy brought.
According to the township’s website, due to the state of emergency, the township offices are closed Tuesday Oct. 30 and will reopen on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
According to Mayor Richard Franzen, all operations are under control within the township.
“The Office of Emergency Management, directed by Colonel William Lowe, has done a fantastic job. He coordinated and directed the responses of the Township Road Department, Rescue Squad, Fire Company and CERT to any emergency situations. They have operated out of the Emergency Services Building 24 hours a day since early Monday morning and will probably be able downsize from 24 hour coverage sometime tonight,” said Franzen.
The major issues in the township included downed trees, wires on roadways and minimal flooding.
According to Franzen, due to the large amount of tree limbs and brush that have fallen to the ground, the township will offer a special “brush pickup” over the next several weeks. Township manager Doug Cramer will announce a new schedule tomorrow or Friday, via the township website details about the pickup. Additionally, a “reverse 911” will be issued on the evening of Oct. 30 to inform residents about the brush pickup and the latest activities of OEM.
“We are very fortunate that the damage was not worse. While the high winds and heavy rain did cause many power outages and fallen trees, I am not aware of any major structural damages. When you look at what has happened on the barrier islands and in the New York City area, you have to be thankful that our local losses we so much less severe,” said Franzen.
According to an official statement issued by Burlington County, there will be assistance given to the neighboring counties, specifically Atlantic and Ocean. Ocean County has numerous fires; five local fire companies have dispatched fire trucks to assist. Local units have also sent four marine rescue boats units to assist in rescuing individuals.
Additionally, the county is planning to take in 400 or more individuals from both Atlantic and Ocean counties. Of the people, 200 will be moved into an overflow shelter at the Pemberton Campus of Burlington County College. Most of the other residents will be moved to the shelter at Fountain of Life located in Florence.
“Today the recovery begins in Burlington County. But we are not out of the woods, thousands are still without power, and we need to work expeditiously to clear our roadways for safe passage. In the meantime, we will do everything we can to help our friends in neighboring Ocean and Atlantic Counties. I know we still have a long way to go, but our county and local emergency management personnel and volunteers have done a great job of keeping on top of this storm,” Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio said in an official statement.
Trash collection:
Residents of Tabernacle Township are being advised that due to the weather conditions, Tuesday trash collection will not be collected tomorrow. Residents are being advised that an update will be posted tomorrow evening after 5:00 p.m. to determine when or if Wednesday’s trash schedule will be affected as well.
For more information, visit www.townshipoftabernacle-nj.gov.
