Category: Public Info

2,000+ Units of Blood Lost From Shutdowns and Power Outages

Supplies of Several Blood Types Below Minimum Levels

August 29, 2011 – New Jersey Blood Services, a division of New York Blood Center (NYBC), which serves more than 20 million people in New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and New Jersey, is following the emergency declarations of Governor Christie and other tri-state public officials with an emergency appeal for blood donors.  The supply of several blood types, including O-negative (“universal donor”) blood, which is normally maintained at the three-to-five-day inventory level, has dropped below the two-day minimum level.

“We anticipated the potential effects of Irene, and delivered extra blood in advance to our 200 partner hospitals,” said NYBC Vice President Rob Purvis. “Our first priority remains getting them whatever they need for the care of trauma and cancer patients.”   Due to concerns for the safety of its donors and staff, NYBC closed its donor centers and cancelled all blood drives on Sunday, August 28. “With Labor Day right around the corner, we’re between a rock and a hard place,” Purvis added.  “We need the help of our communities to replenish the blood supply.”

The need for blood is constant, whatever the weather or holiday.  The shelf life of platelets is only five days; the shelf life of red blood cells is 42 days.  About one in seven people entering a hospital needs blood.

“We faced a similar situation after the Christmas Blizzard and January’s constant snowstorms, when cancellations meant the loss of 8,000 units of blood.” Purvis said.  “Our neighbors came through for hospital patients then, and replenished the blood supply.  We need them to step up again, and schedule an appointment to donate life-saving blood.”

To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive,
Please call Toll Free: 1-800-933-2566
Visit: www.nybloodcenter.org

If you cannot donate but still wish to participate in bringing crucial blood products to patients in need, please ask someone to donate for you, or consider volunteering at a local blood drive.

Any company, community organization, place of worship, or individual may host a blood drive. NYBC also offers special community service scholarships for students who organize community blood drives during summer and winter months. Blood donors receive free mini-medical exams on site including information about their temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and hemoglobin level. Eligible donors include those people at least age 16 (with parental permission or consent), who weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, are in good health and meet all Food & Drug Administration and NY or NJ State Department of Health donor criteria. People over 75 may donate with a doctor’s note.

About New York Blood Center: New York Blood Center (NYBC) is one of the nation’s largest non-profit, community-based blood centers. NYBC has been providing blood, transfusion products and services to hospitals serving more than 20 million people in New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, New Jersey, and parts of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. NYBC is also home to the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute and the National Cord Blood Program at the Howard P. Milstein National Cord Blood Center, the world’s largest public cord blood bank. NYBC provides medical services and programs (Clinical, Transfusion, and Hemophilia Services) through our medical professionals along with consultative services in transfusion medicine. Please visit us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/newyorkbloodcenter. Follow us on Twitter: @NY_BloodCenter.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders advised homeowners to be watchful for insurance scams, price gouging, questionable charity solicitations, and other consumer issues related to disaster cleanup and recovery.

Residents with questions about a business, service or charity in Union County can call the Union County Office of Consumer Affairs at 908-654-9840 for guidance, or file a complaint online at the County website,https://ucnj.org/government/public-safety/consumer-affairs/consumer-complaint-form/.

Excessive or predatory pricing for gas, home repairs and other essential products and services is illegal during and after a declared state of emergency.

According to a bulletin from the New Jersey State Department of Banking and Insurance, insurance companies should not apply a hurricane deductible to claims related to Hurricane Irene in New Jersey. This only applies when hurricane force winds reach 74 miles per hour or greater, and the National Weather Service did not report winds meeting these criteria in the state.

Additional hurricane related updates are available at www.ucnj.org.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee is collecting historic artifacts for a commemorative exhibit they plan to display next year at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. The committee met last month to examine documents from the Civil War era. Pictured are: (seated) Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, committee chairman, and Harold Scheidegger; (standing, left to right) Charles Shallcross, Richard Thompson, and David Walker. Anyone wishing to loan Civil War artifacts for the exhibit can contact committee member Katherine Craig at 908-282-7617. For further information about the Union County Civil War Committee, please call Ms. Rajoppi’s office, 908-527-4787. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union).

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders released the following statement regarding the exclusion of Union County from the list of New Jersey counties announced yesterday as eligible for FEMA relief for individuals:

“Union County was not included in the initial list of New Jersey counties that are eligible for individual FEMA relief for damages suffered as a result of Hurricane Irene. FEMA assessments are still ongoing and other counties may be added as more information is gathered.”

“Union County has submitted damage assessments to the state as required, totaling over $200 million. We are contacting our legislators and we will work diligently with FEMA, local and state officials to help our residents obtain the federal assistance merited by this area-wide disaster, which has caused enormous damage in Cranford, Rahway and other parts of Union County.”

In yesterday’s disaster declaration, Union County was not listed as eligible for relief for individuals or public facilities. According to FEMA, although Union County has not been declared eligible for individual relief at this time, individuals may still register their information with FEMA by phone at 1-800-621-3362.

Union County residents can stay up to date by signing up on line for Union County’s emergency notification system, Union County First Alert, at http://www.ucfirstalert.org.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

WESTFIELD, NJ – The Union County Clerk’s office in Westfield is hosting a Passport Fair on Saturday, September 17, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. to provide passport information to U.S. citizens and to accept passport applications. As a special incentive, the Clerk’s office will offer free passport photos to each citizen who applies for a passport at the Westfield office that day.

“Now is the time to make sure your passport is up-to-date,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “My office in Westfield will be open longer than usual on Sept. 17 to help those who are planning trips outside our borders in the fall and winter months.”

U.S. citizens must present a valid passport book when entering or re-entering the United States by air. U.S. citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean islands or Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present either a passport card or a passport book.

In addition to the free passport photos for applicants at the Westfield office on Sept. 17, special give-away packets will be available to provide travel tips and assistance for passport applicants.

“Some countries require passports to be valid for an additional three, six or nine months after your visit,” Rajoppi added. “If your passport is due to expire within nine months of your international travel, you should renew your passport to ensure a smoother journey.”

Information about the cost and how to apply for a passport book and/or passport card is available athttp://travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone, in English and Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778.

Passport application forms may be obtained at the County Clerk’s main office at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or at the County Clerk’s office annex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Applications for passports and related information also can be found online at https://ucnj.org/government/county-clerk/Passports. The phone number at the Union County Clerk’s Westfield Annex is 908-654-9859.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County, NJ – Floodwaters from Hurricane Irene have receded in Union County but several areas remain under severe conditions, and pockets may still be left in others. To help prevent injuries or illnesses related to floodwaters, County officials advised residents to continue to exercise caution, and to take steps to prevent waterborne diseases.

“Many residents are continuing to suffer the effects of this disaster, but even a small amount of standing water can cause significant problems,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “We are asking all residents to take a few steps to protect themselves.”

A receding flood is still dangerous due to unpredictable currents and ground conditions.

Waterborne diseases are a major concern, since even a small puddle of contaminated water can spread infection. Residents are reminded to wash hands frequently when cleaning up after a flood. Open wounds should be carefully covered with a waterproof bandage.

Children’s toys, including outdoor toys, should be disinfected before use, and they should avoid playing in yards or other areas where floodwater is still standing.

Swimming pools that may have received floodwater should be drained, disinfected and tested before use.

Chemical hazards can result when cleaning supplies and other household chemicals are moved by floodwaters, so caution should be exercised when handling these containers. The next Union County household special waste recycling event is scheduled for October 29. For more information on Union County recycling services, visit www.ucnj.org/recycle.

Mosquito season is still in effect, and they can breed in very small amounts of water – even a bottle cap. Residents are asked to inspect their yards and remove any items that may be collecting water.

Springfield and Summit were still under a boil water advisory from New Jersey American Water as of 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 31. The latest updates can be obtained by following the red “notifications” link at the top of the company’s website, www.newjerseyamwater.com.

New Jersey American Water also still had Union County under a discolored water alert as of 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 31.

Additional cleanup guidance is available from the Centers for Disease Control, www.emergency.cdc.gov, including guidance on disinfecting with bleach.

For additional updates visit the Union County website, www.ucnj.org.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County, NJ – A Harvest Contest with prizes, children’s activities and much more are in store for home gardening enthusiasts at this year’s Union County Fair featuring MusicFest. Experts from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County will host gardening, community health and children’s exhibits and activities throughout the fair, which runs from Wednesday, September 14 to Sunday, September 18 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

Free MusicFest concerts take place on all five days of the fair.

“The Union County Fair is the perfect place to enjoy great free music, show off your gardening and baking skills, and pick up some useful tips from Extension experts on health and wellness,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The Harvest Contest will award prizes for the biggest tomato and zucchini by weight, the oddest looking vegetable, the best character made from vegetables, and the best quick bread (muffin, biscuit or loaf).

Entries may be dropped off starting on Thursday, September 15. Full details on the Harvest Contest and all Extension activities are available at www.ucmusicfest.org.

Also starting on Thursday, the Extension will host free activities for children including a fun-and-games learning session about trees, a “Build Your Own Spinning Top” science workshop, and leaf-rubbing arts and crafts.

County Fair visitors can also enter a free raffle to win a rain barrel, valued at approximately $100.

Other activities include home-made smoothie demonstrations and cooking demonstrations based on local New Jersey produce and on the new federal ChooseMyPlate.gov nutrition guidelines.

Senior citizens who are eligible to receive Farmer’s Market vouchers can also pick up vouchers at the Extension tent, by bringing a Medicaid card or other proof of income.

Carnival rides, food and craft vendors, displays by local businesses, Kid’s Kingdom children’s activities and crafts, and a “Green Village” for environmental education and art round out the Union County Fair attractions, along with free shows by the Hell on Wheels BMX daredevils.

Highlights of MusicFest this year include Live’s Ed Kowalczyk and Collective Soul performing on Friday night, Blondie, Mike Peters of The Alarm and Neon Trees on Saturday, and The Smithereens and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes on Sunday.

Also in the lineup are cult favorites Toad the Wet Sprocket, New Jersey’s own Nicole Atkins and the Black Sea, Paul Rodgers (voice of the legendary rock band Bad Company), and rising young local musicians from the School of Rock.

For all County Fair and MusicFest details including instructions for entering the Harvest Contest, visittheucfair.org, ucmusicfest.org, or facebook.com/musicfest, or follow ucnjmusicfest on Twitter.

Photo caption (photo attached): Young fairgoers enjoy a nature activity with Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension at last year’s Union County Fair at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. This year the Extension returns with more activities, contests and exhibits for all ages.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Some services restored; many residents still without power

Non-perishable food donations sought for flood victims

Union County, NJ – Two days after Hurricane Irene, Union County operations are returning back to normal with limited exceptions. However, many residents continue to experience hazardous conditions due to flooding, power outages and blocked roadways. Among the areas that experienced significant flooding was Cranford, where approximately 2,000 residents had to be evacuated.

The latest updates are available on the Union County website, www.ucnj.org.

“Many Union County residents have suffered severe damage from the storm, and the numbers are especially high in Cranford,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “If you’d like to help out, there will be a food drive to help flood victims at Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Wednesday, August 31.”

Union County updates:

The free Summer Arts Concert at Oak Ridge Park in Clark will go on as scheduled at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday August 31. Attendees are asked to bring nutritious canned or packaged non-perishable food, for donation to flood victims. Donations may be dropped off any time after 7:00 p.m.

Emergency road closures due to flooding, sinkholes, power lines and other hazards are still in effect. For a complete list of affected roads and updates, visit www.ucnj.org and follow the link on the home page.

Meals-on-Wheels suspended individual and congregate meals on Monday, August 29 due to damage at its facility in Linden. Home deliveries will resume on Thursday, September 1 but congregate meals are still suspended until further notice.

The Union County Paratransit System was operating on a limited schedule on Monday, August 29. It is now back to normal service as of today, Tuesday August 30.

Union County Superior Court was ordered closed on Monday, August 29 and has resumed normal hours and operations.

The Union County Vo-Tech Schools campus is still without power. The student orientation scheduled for today, August 30, has been canceled.

Union County’s recreational facilities are returning to normal operations but some remain closed until further notice.

• Watchung Stable: Open
• Trailside Nature & Science Center: Opening Wednesday August 31.
• Galloping Hill Golf Course: Opening Wednesday August 31 (driving range at has been open as of Monday August 29).
• Ash Brook Golf Course: Closed until further notice.
• Ulrich Swimming Pool: Closed until further notice (Wheeler Pool was already closed for the season earlier in August).
• Sports fields (baseball, soccer, tennis, etc.): Closed until further notice.

Summit and Springfield remain under a boil-water advisory from New Jersey American Water. The company has also issued a discolored water advisory for Union County. Customers can get updates fromwww.newjerseyamwater.com (use the Alerts Notification link at top of home page).

The Union County Office of Consumer Affairs reminds residents to be alert for storm-related insurance scams and price gouging. Residents who suspect that they are being excessively charged for gasoline, home repairs or other goods and services can report the incident by calling the Office of Consumer Affairs, 908-654-9840.

The Countywide emergency shelter system took in more than 180 residents at eleven locations during the storm. Only one shelter in Clark remained open on Monday August 29, and it is now closed. An additional countywide shelter has opened at 220 Walnut Street Cranford that is available from 6:00 p.m. tonight, Tuesday August 30 to 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 31. Walk-ins are welcome up to midnight; residents needing emergency shelter after midnight should call their local police department for access to the Cranford facility.

The FEMA funding process is in its early stages, in which information is collected on the extent of damages. When the funding stage of the process is reached, FEMA will publicize information on how to register for assistance.

Union County residents can keep informed on FEMA announcements by checking the agency’s website, www.fema.gov, or by signing up for Union County’s First Alert messaging system, which will provide an automatic notification by email or text message. To sign up for UC First Alert, visit www.ucfirstalert.org.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that 43 artists, historians and local non-profit organizations will receive funding through the 2011 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program.

Recognizing the importance of culture and the arts to our economy and quality of life, the Union County Freeholders established the HEART Grant Program in 1998. This innovative program supports projects related to history, the arts and humanities, and it demonstrates a commitment to the artists and community organizations of Union County. Total funding for this year’s grants is $75,000.

“The recipients of HEART Grants are a wonderful mix of creative individuals – composers and writers, historians, visual artists, musicians and dancers – plus arts, history and other cultural organizations and civic groups,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “The response to the program has been exciting ever since its inception.”

“The services provided by these artists, scholars and organizations directly benefit the residents of our county and increase appreciation for the arts, our history, and the humanities,” Freeholder Scanlon added. “These cultural assets are a vital part of community life, well being, economic development and cultural heritage tourism in Union County.”

Artists, educators, civic and historical non-profit organizations that want information about next year’s HEART Grant Program can contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711, or send E-mail:culturalinfo@ucnj.org

Union County HEART Grants Awarded 2011 (Total $75,000)

• Brian Beste, Fanwood, $890, presenting art creating and history workshops;
• Candace Waller, Fanwood, $700, presenting dance programs and workshops;
• Danielle Linares Hale, Fanwood, $880, presenting art and history workshops;
• Dennis E. Hyams, Plainfield, $1,000, presenting opera and chamber music performances;
• Kenneth Sack, Summit $1,000, presenting interactive children’s music and theater;
• Sandra Frank, Westfield, $1,000, presenting a music education program for a senior rehab center;
• Valerie Graham, Roselle, $800, presenting crafts workshops for children;
• Arts Guild New Jersey, Rahway, $2,300, presenting Pre-K arts education in Rahway schools;
• Borough of Fanwood, $2,000, presenting a Fanwood Cultural Arts Performance Series;
• Brand New Day, Elizabeth, $2,300, presenting traditional Caribbean music and dance workshops;
• Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company, Union, $1,600, presenting a joint performance with Union County Academy of the Performing Arts at the Vo-Tech black box theater;
• CASA of Union County, Elizabeth, $2,500, presenting arts workshops for child advocates;
• Center for Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, Scotch Plains, $2,500, providing musical performances for hospice residents and families;
• Central Presbyterian Church, Summit, $1,500, provide classical music performances;
• Christ Fellowship Inc., Elizabeth, $500, present musical theater performances;
• City of Rahway, $1,500, hiring artists to create window art for available storefronts;
• Continuo Arts Foundation, Westfield, $1,500, presenting “Seniors Sing” choral program;
• Cranford Housing Board, Inc., Cranford, $1,000, presenting “Broadway and Beyond” concert for senior residents;
• Elizabeth Avenue Partnership, Elizabeth, $2,400, presenting dance and music cultural events during Hispanic Heritage Month;
• Friends of Jazz, Plainfield, $1,000, presenting music enrichment programs in Plainfield schools;
• Groundwork Elizabeth, Inc., $1,600, supporting the 9th Annual Tour de Elizabeth bicycle tour focusing on the theme, immigrant contributions;
• Hillside Public Library, Hillside, $1,760, presenting “Arts Around the World” free performances for children and families;
• Institute of Music for Children, Elizabeth, $2,500, presenting Friday Teen Arts Night series;
• Jefferson Park Ministries, Inc., Elizabeth, $1,000, presenting music education and performance programs for children;
• Jewish Community Center of Central NJ, Scotch Plains, $2,300, presenting a day of Lower East Side history through music, games food and art;
• Josephine’s Place, Elizabeth, $2,500, presenting poetry and music projects for immigrant women;
• Literacy Volunteers of Union County, Plainfield $2,500, creating “Connections” a literary publication of ESL student work;
• Mother Seton Regional High School, Clark, $1,000, producing a musical involving Union County students;
• Music for All Seasons, Scotch Plains, $2,300, presenting music programs for Union County Juvenile Detention Center;
• National Council of Jewish Women, U.C. Section, Elizabeth, $2,500, providing two intergenerational programs: a big band swing dance and duo pianists;
• New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra, Berkeley Heights, $2,300, presenting a series of free community concerts;
• Occupational Center of Union County, Roselle, $2,500, presenting art education classes for people with disabilities;
• Plainfield Division of Parks and Recreation, $1,900, presenting a historical Kwanza celebration with speakers, music and dance;
• Restore Ministries, Inc., Elizabeth, $2,500, providing a Poetry Club for youth including literary study and expression;
• Second Street Youth Center, Plainfield, $975, presenting a nine week engineering workshop for children;
• The Rake and Hoe Garden Club, Westfield, $1,000, presenting a flower and crafts show;
• Union Township Community Action Organization, Inc., $1,700, presenting Senior Choral performances in nursing homes;
• United Youth of New Jersey, Elizabeth, $2,350, present play about slave Ambo buried in Rahway Cemetery;
• Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, Summit, $2,300, presenting a visual arts program for older adults;
• Westfield Symphony Orchestra, Westfield, $1,600, provide a live concert to accompany movie “Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde”;
• Women in Conversation, Plainfield, $2,500, presenting reading /discussion groups for students, bi-lingual students and seniors;
• YM-YWHA of Union County, Union, $2,500, presenting the Holocaust through Literature, Music & Science series;
• Art in the Garden, through the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Elizabeth, $2,045, presenting individual and group performances during Arts & Humanities Month.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

While a Federal Disaster Declaration has not been issued from FEMA,
County proactively advises residents of process

Union County, NJ – As Union County begins to recover from the damage left by Hurricane Irene, many residents are asking how they can request and receive assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA.)

In order for a State, County, Township or resident to receive funding from FEMA, a Federal Disaster Declaration must be issued from FEMA. A Federal Disaster Declaration can only be declared once the Governor submits an official disaster request to FEMA; this request must include the estimated cost of the damages.

Providing an accurate Statewide report to FEMA takes several days as crews of engineers must assess structural damage to homes, bridges, dams, highways and other structures. Public utility companies must document any damage to poles, wires and substations. In addition, Government agencies must calculate the actual costs of providing additional public safety services during the preparation, response and recovery efforts caused by Irene.

“Sunday morning I visited the towns that were hit hardest by the Hurricane.  Hurricane Irene has definitely left its mark on Union County residents. Many are still without power, fallen trees have damaged countless properties and many had to evacuate their homes due to severe flooding.” stated Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “We ask that that those greatly affected be patient and follow the steps outlined by our Emergency Management personnel.”

As it will take several days to accurately assess the damage caused by the Irene, Union County officials are asking residents to take the following steps:

* Do not touch any utility wires.

* Before cleaning up damage caused by Irene please take photos or videos of any damage caused by the hurricane. If you have already started to clean up the damage please document your repairs to the best of you ability. Save all receipts, quotes, estimates, etc. of any work done; this documentation may be needed in the future by FEMA to file potential claims.

Over the next several days, local officials will be preparing Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) reports to document the damage done in each municipality. If you have sustained significant damage to your home please contact your local Office of Emergency Management. The Office of Emergency will include your address and description of the damage sustained in their municipal Assessment report.

All municipal reports will be complied with the necessary documents and forwarded to the County Office of Emergency Management for review; a Sergeant from State Police Office of Emergency Management has been assigned to the County OEM for assistance. Please note: Some municipal OEMs are still actively responding to public safety emergencies caused by Irene. Public safety emergencies will take priority to damage assessment.

The County will submit a Countywide Preliminary Damage Assessment to the New Jersey State Police Office of Emergency Management. State Police OEM will review all 21 County Assessments and submit a single Preliminary Assessment to the Governor. The Governor will submit a single Statewide Preliminary Assessment to the Federal Emergency Management Administration for consideration.

After reviewing the New Jersey State Preliminary Damage Assessment report, FEMA will decide if a Federal Disaster Declaration is warranted. For more information on this process please go to http://www.fema.gov/media/fact_sheets/declaration_process.shtm.

If a Federal Disaster is declared for the State of New Jersey and Union County, FEMA will deploy several damage assessment experts throughout the State to meet with individual residents to review detailed information of the damage caused by Irene.

Information about federal disaster declarations and public assistance will be broadcast directly to residents through the Union County First Alert System. Please register at ucfirstalert.com to have disaster and other emergency information sent directly to your email or smartphone. Information will also be posted on the official Union County website at ucnj.org.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.