Like a large part of the State, Red Bank was impacted by the effects of Tropical Storm Isaias. Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order #174 declaring a State of Emergency as a result of the weather event. Red Bank experienced a series of power disruptions during the storm and approximately 60% of Jersey Central Power & Light customers in Red Bank were left without power after the storm. Electricity is provided by JCP&L and the Borough does not have oversight or jurisdiction of the utility companies. While the Borough does not serve the electricity, officials advocate for the community and we are exhausting all options for speedy restoration. Many trees, limbs and wires are down and we have notified JCP&L of this damage. However, in order to make sure all outages are responded to and damage assessed by JCP&L, please continue to report individual power interruptions to JCP&L (1-888-LIGHTSS). JCP&L provides outage and electric infrastructure information, including estimated restoration times, on their "Power Center" website at http://outages.firstenergycorp.com/nj.html
As of August 6, 2020, JCP&L is reporting 2,744 customers remain without power in Red Bank after restoring power to approximately 1,147 customers today. They have provided a global estimated restoration time of August 11, 2020, 11:30 p.m. for most customers. The following, more detailed municipal report was received this afternoon including day-by-day restoration estimates:
Because of the widespread outages, many people are using portable generators. It is important that generators are used safely for your protection and the protection of your loved ones. The Red Bank Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Coordinator would like to remind the public of the following guidelines:
- When plugging in appliances, make sure they are plugged directly into the generator or a heavy duty outdoor-rated extension cord. The cords should be checked for cuts, tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin. If you must connect the generator to the house wiring to power appliances, have a qualified electrician install a properly rated transfer switch in accordance with the National Electrical Code® (NEC) and all applicable state and local electrical codes.
- Generators should be used in well ventilated locations outside away from all doors, windows and vent openings.
- Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
- Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building.
- Make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height.
- Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is hot.
- Store fuel for the generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled as such. Store the containers outside of living areas.
The Red Bank Public Library is also offering outdoor power stations for the charging of electronic devices. For more information, visit the Red Bank Public Library Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/RedBankPL)
The Department of Public Works continues to canvas the town for brush and storm-damaged related vegetative debris. Please be patient as crews are working diligently to prioritize efforts to ensure roadways are safe for emergency responders and tend to hazardous conditions. Crews may not approach or work near downed wires as a safety precaution.
Borough of Red Bank emergency management, public safety and law enforcement personnel are monitoring the situation and departments are taking necessary precautions to prepare and respond. Updates will be available on the municipal website at www.redbanknj.org
Sign up for the Borough of Red Bank Community Alert System to stay informed and receive emergency notices. Visit http://www.redbanknj.org/247/Citizen-Sign-Up