Mayor Bivona: 'Massive' Hurricane Sandy Could Cut Power for Days

The following message was sent to Franklin Lakes residents Monday afternoon by Franklin Lakes Mayor Frank Bivona. It is printed, in full, below:

Message from the Mayor
Hurricane Sandy Update 

The Borough and its emergency responders have been actively preparing for the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the Franklin Lakes community.  Our Office of Emergency Management has been coordinating the Borough's preparation and will be coordinating our emergency response, working closely with the Police Department, Fire Department, Ambulance Corps, CERT volunteers and Administration. 

This is a massive storm with high winds and heavy rain which will take down trees and power lines, likely resulting in power outages, which may be extended for up to 7 to 10 days.  We will be in regular contact with Rockland Electric so that they are aware of all of our outages and so that we can do what we can to steer their priorities to our residents' needs.  If you experience a power outage, you must contact Rockland Electric at 1-877-434-4100.   

We will be communicating emergency information through the Borough website, eblasts (sign up on the homepage of the Borough website - www.franklinlakes.org), cable TV (Cablevision Channel 77 and FiOS Channel 46), Facebook, Reverse 911, and on sandwich board message signs placed in numerous locations throughout the Borough (Borough Hall, Police Headquarters, Post Office, Dunkin Donuts, Stop & Shop, Starbucks, Market Basket, Library, DeliMart). 

Neighbors helping neighbor

With the oncoming storm tomorrow, there are some of our residents who may need assistance for various reasons.  People living alone, elderly, handicapped, and other people in need may need help in the event of power outages, flooding or other storm related issues. If you know of such people, please reach out to them and let the Borough know (contact the Police Department at 201-891-3131) as well so that we can check on them and assist if necessary.  Neighbors helping neighbors make a difference. 

County opens shelter

If you have had previous flooding issues, we urge you to make arrangements now to go to the home of a friend or relative.  If this is not an option, at noon today (October 29, 2012) a regional shelter was opened at Bergen Community College (400 Paramus Road, Paramus).  The shelter can accommodate special needs and is domestic pet-friendly.  Please remember to bring any clothes, medications for yourself and/or family members.  If you are bringing your pet please bring a carrier case or crate, leash, pet food, any medications, a water bowl, and waste bags.

Comfort station

The Borough's Office of Emergency Management has opened a comfort station at the Bender Court Firehouse for those in need.  It will be open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm throughout the period of the storm. You can rest, charge your cell phone and laptop, and warm up.  Parking is available in the Veterans Parking Plaza. 

Water available

Water is available at the Bender Court Firehouse and Franklin Lake Road Firehouse.  Please bring containers.

Most importantly, be safe and don't go out unless it is absolutely necessary. It is in these emergencies that the strength of our community is most evident.  We must work together to help and support each other, in particular those most affected by the storm.  Be safe, take care of your family, and don't forget to check on your neighbors as well. 

Please feel free to contact me at fbivona@aol.com or on my cell phone if necessary at 201-788-8039.

Mayor Frank Bivona

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