Hazlet Officials: Charging Station at Courtroom; Water and Ice Available at Holy Family

In a 10 a.m. dial-in conference call made available to residents, Hazlet officials gave updates from their departments, but offered no new hope for quick power restoration, as has happened in some lucky parts of Middletown. 

According to Hazlet Township Administrator Brian Valentino, Hazlet Township has been told by JCP&L "Not to expect power restored fully until after November 6." 

Valentino assured residents that the township will share any information is receives about power as soon as it is known. It will be posted on the Hazlet Township page and Hazlet Township Facebook Page. 

Other highlights: 

Police Chief James Broderick said that criminals are taking advantage of the situation after dark. "Numerous incidents of crime are taking place," he said, but did not elaborate. Residents were reminded of the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. curfew and asked to report any suspicious activity to police at 732-264-6565. 

Motorists are advised to stay off the roads to allow workers to do their work, but if necessary, certain intersections are safer to cross than others. Those under "manual control devices" (stop signs, cones or barricades to control the flow of traffic) are:

• Poole Ave and Highway 35
• Hazlet Ave. and Hwy 35
• Laurel Ave and Hwy 36
• Poole Ave and Hwy 36 

These locations have stop signs in place creating a 4-way stop:

• Poole Ave and Middle Road
• Union Ave and Middle Road  

Eric Olsen of Shorelands Water based in Hazlet reassured resident of Holmdel and Hazlet that water is safe to drink, and that there is currently no water advisory. "The rumors are untrue," he said, adding the system is running normally on standby power. 

Valentino also added that there are no issues related to natural gas to worry about either. The sewerage authority is also functioning normally. 

Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Thomas Horner said a limited supply of ice and water is available at Holy Family School on Route 36, and that the township courtroom, located at the Police Station at 255 Middle Road, is available as a warming station and place to recharge cell phone batteries. "That location may change," he said, and residents will have to consult the township webpages for information.

The DPW's David Rook said there are trees and wires reported down at Cavan Lane, Cortland Dr., Colby Lane, Helen Lane, Bauer Ave., Pinewood Ave., 11st St between Poplar and Pinewood Ave. and 13th St, in the area of number 44. Those streets are not necessarily closed, though. 

Fire Department spokesman Andrew Christ of North Centerville Fire. Co said that the volunteers have responded to everything from water rescues in Union Beach in the aftermath of the storm to CO2 trouble calls. He advised people to stay away from live wires on the ground, and report them to the police department. Keep generators out of the house, and don't leave them under decks because it is a fire hazard. "As always, we have plenty of manpower ready to respond to emergencies," he said. 

The First Aid Department's Mary Lowe said that the volunteers have been responding to numerous calls, but advised that the squads cannot help those who need oxygen tanks refilled. "We don't have the capacity to come to your home, contact your suppliers for that," she said. 

Construction Official Dennis Pino warned homeowners to be wary of contractors going door to door looking for work. He said residents should be sure they are licensed. The township maintains a list of licensed contractors at Town Hall, and residents can call to confirm information. Call (732) 264-1700 X8657. The online permitting system is up and running. 

Pastor Barry Mulligan of the Maranatha Baptist Church said the Holmdel Road church and St. Benedict Church in Holmdel will remain open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday for donations of clothes, gift cards and cash to aid those in the Bayshore that have lost homes and belongings to Hurricane Sandy. An interfaith prayer service for the whole community is in the planning stages. He also said the St. Benedict Food Pantry will be open from 2 - 6 p.m. on Sunday. 

While municipal court offices are staffed, court will not be in session until further notice. The staff can take phone calls, but cannot process payments. 

Mayor David Tinker offered much praise for the more than 200 township workers, police, fire and first aid teams that have worked around the clock to assist Hazlet residents and neighbors in Union Beach and Keyport. Despite the inconveniences residents are experiencing, he said it was appropriate to pause and give thanks. "Say a little prayer and thank God for sparing Hazlet the full wrath of Hurricane Sandy."