What New Milford Needs To Know To Prepare For Sandy

Chief of Police Frank Papapietro, who also heads New Milford's OEM, has asked that all residents who live in low-lying, flood prone areas make preparations now for possible evacuation should Hurricane Sandy live up to its reputation.

"Please don't wait until boats have to come and rescue you to evacuate," Papapietro is asking residents. "Prepare now. Especially if you have any family members with special needs."

"Plans should also be made if you have pets," he added.

Papapietro is also asking that all residents who evacuate their homes notify the police department by calling 201-261-1400 so emergency services can account for those residents.

All overnight parking rules and regulations have been suspended to accommodate residents in the flood prone areas who need to move their cars to higher ground.

Papapietro reminds residents to use "911" for emergencies only. All non-emergency matters for the Police and Fire Department should be reported to 201-261-1400. 

Papapietro asks that residents do not call the police department for information regarding power outages.

"Unfortunately, the Borough has no control over PSE&G and their response protocols," Papapietro said. 

For information regarding power outages, please call PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734.

Papapietro stresses that all downed wires should be considered live and should be reported to "911."

Should residents need to evacuate to a shelter, Papapietro said that county shelters are open. The locations are:

• Bergen Community College, 400 Paramus Road, Paramus
• Northern Valley Demarest High School, 150 Knickerbocker Rd, Demarest
• Lyndhurst Senior Citizens Center, 281 Stuyvesant Avenue, Lyndhurst

Papapietro said that additional information will be posted as it becomes available.