News Release
For Release: August 30, 2011
Contact: Linda Cofer 201-259 5072

Mayor Eldridge Hawkins Jr. Congratulates City Employees on Hurricane Preparedness and Efforts.

Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. congratulated the entire City of Orange Team on a job well done prior to and during what was one of the worst hurricane experienced by the East Coast in decades.

In preparation for Hurricane Irene, the Public Works Department cleaned City storm drains to ensure that Orange’s storm water system was working to its best capability.  This was done successfully and minimized the flooding of neighborhoods. In addition, a Hurricane Emergency Hotline was created to report flooding, tree damage, power outages and other conditions. Calls were effectively referred to City emergency workers so that problems could be resolved. The City’s Emergency Management Team worked throughout the night, assessing the storm while addressing resident concerns.

In an attempt to keep the public well informed, Council members were advised throughout the weekend of storm updates and concerns. City officials also provided updates and alerts to residents via email, reverse 911 calls, social network sites and Channel 35.

Coordination between Federal, State and Local agencies was continuous. The Administration remained in constant contact with the Essex County Emergency Management Team, Governor’s Office, and Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). Governor Christie and Cabinet Officials provided statewide updates to elected officials through the weekend, while FEMA held several conference calls to discuss federal resources and plans to support state and local efforts.

Consistent with the action taken by the state and county, Mayor Hawkins declared a “State of Emergency” on Saturday evening. Local taverns, bars, and other businesses were advised to close by 10 pm., Saturday August 27, 2011.

Mayor Hawkins met with County OEM officials and toured the County Shelter Site in preparation of the storm and conducted a “needs-base assessment” following the Hurricane.  As a result of Irene, sporadic power outages occurred throughout the City, some due to fallen trees on power lines. PSE&G crews as well as tree contractors continue to work around the clock in an effort to restore power.  Some lost power has been restored. Due to the cresting of the east branch of the Rahway River and brooks, some basements were flooded in the Valley area by early Sunday morning. Storm drainage issues caused flooding in the East Ward. The OEM team, OFD and OPD worked tirelessly to address down wires and down trees caused by Hurricane Irene. In addition, they responded to carbon monoxide concerns by shutting off gas and power lines in private homes affected by the flood.

A potential water main break caused United Water to request that all residents limit any and all non-accentual water use. The boil water advisory put into effect, was rescinded by late Monday morning.

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, JR.

“The flow of information to the public by my office staff, public relations team and other departments was both critical and effective during Hurricane Irene. I was out and about during the night of the storm and have received numerous compliments from various individuals not only about the extent to which they were kept informed, but also the responsiveness of police, fire, public works and other emergency management personnel throughout the night of the storm and during the aftermath. I would like to take this opportunity to thank city employees for their efforts and Orange citizens for their cooperation during a most difficult time. As we go into recovery mode, residents are encouraged to contact their insurance agents to discuss claims.  Residents are reminded that as they hire cleanup or repair contractors, to be sure that such contractors are qualified to do the job. “

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