Community Corner

Two Shelters Ready for Residents

Bridgewater residents will be encouraged to go to county-designated shelters if needed.

There are two designated shelters for residents needing to seek it outside of their homes during the duration of Hurricane Sandy—Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg and the Manville VFW on Washington Avenue in Manville.

According to Bridgewater Township Police Chief Richard Borden, these two locations have been designated by the county as shelters, with RVCC serving as the primary.

"And sometime throughout the day our senior center on Somerville Road will be open and used for a temporary center to transport people to the RVCC shelter if needed by bus," he said.

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Bridgewater Township Mayor Dan Hayes said that Gov. Chris Christie has issued a specific protocol for sheltering that follows a five-step plan.

"Essentially, it is to shelter in place and try to stay home," Hayes said. "And if you have to evacuate, seek shelter with friends and family."

Find out what's happening in Bridgewaterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If those options are impossible, Hayes said, residents can report directly to the county- or state-designated facilities.

"The best thing you can do is if you have to evacuate, contact the township," he said. "If there is an event and people are being evacuated, the responders will know how to direct you."

Hayes said that even though all municipal offices are closed today, residents can call the main number at 908-725-6300, and they will be redirected.

If there is an emergency, Hayes said, residents should dial 911, otherwise they can call the police department with questions or concerns at 908-722-4111.

For the most part, Hayes said, the most important thing is safety and to be prepared, which people have been doing since Friday.

"At this point, the storm poses a serious threat," he said. "I think people are ready for the storm."

"But safety first, stay off the roads and stay inside," he added. 

Hayes said people should not drive through water because they cannot tell how deep it is, and they should not go near downed wires because they will probably all be live.

"We're well coordinated, and the storm will bring unexpected things," he said. "Do we have the right team in place? Absolutely."

"As long as everyone exercises common sense, we'll get to the other side," he added.


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