Emergency measures are in effect as the township deals with the consequences of the persistent snow storm, which may still dump several more inches across the region.
Although the Wyckoff Public Library is closed for regular business for the second straight day, the township has provided the facility, behind Town Hall, as an emergency shelter for residents who may be dealing with power outages.
Library staff are not on hand. Instead, Township Committee members are manning the facility in shifts until 6 p.m. for any residents who may need to get in out of the cold, Committeeman Kevin Rooney said. Rooney, the deputy mayor, said Eisenhower Middle School could possibly be opened this evening to serve as an emergency shelter if the need persists.
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If residents cannot safely make their way to the library, call the police at 201-891-2121 for assistance.
Police Chief Benjamin Fox and Rooney said a significant number of homes in the Sicomac and Russell avenues area have been without heat or power, with some residents reporting to police that their homes' temperature has already fallen to approximately 50 degrees. Fox said the outages, in areas serviced by Rockland Electric, can be attributed to the failure of two of the utility's main substations. Additionally, the chief said one or more transformers may have failed, while falling trees or tree branches have impacted power lines.
Find out what's happening in Wyckoffwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Fox warns that the delays in restoring power "will be substantial."
Emergency management officials, headed by police Lt. David Murphy, also are in contact with the Red Cross, should conditions require that extra measures be made to provide residents with shelter this evening.
Memorial Town Hall, which closed early Thursday, is closed again today. Wyckoff public schools and Ramapo and Indian Hills high schools are again closed due to the storm.
Fox advises residents to contact any seniors or those with medical conditions who they may know need help. If additional assistance is needed, call the police department.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning until 6 a.m. Saturday. Up to two feet of snow is possible before the storm moves out.
For immediate assistance:
- Police: 201-891-2121
- Fire Department: 201-891-1100
- Volunteer Ambulance Corps: 201-848-0400
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