Transit Agencies and Utilities Take Action During Blizzard Emergency

On Jan 26, 2015

With a large part of the state expected receive between one-to-two feet of snow and experience blizzard-like conditions in the next 24 hours, major transportation agencies and utilities have announced their emergency preparedness measures.

As of this morning, Newark Liberty International Airport as canceled 444 flights. The three major metropolitan airports have cancelled 40 percent of their flights. It is certain that more will be cancelled.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is making sure preparations are in place for personnel and equipment at all of its facilities. Operations personnel will work 12 hour shifts to ensure that facilities can be operated safely.  The airports, bridges, tunnels and PATH also have snow desks where key personnel analyze weather reports and deploy staff and equipment.

The Port Authority also is in contact with other local, state and federal officials and agencies to discuss preparations for the upcoming winter storm.

Additionally, it urges bus travelers to check with their carriers before going to the bus terminals since many public and private carriers may cancel service if conditions warrant.  The agency also may impose speed restrictions on its crossings, or close them entirely, if weather conditions warrant.

For up-to-the-minute updates on Port Authority crossings, airports and the PATH system, travelers are encouraged to sign up for Port Authority alerts at http://www.paalerts.com/.  Travelers may also call 511 or visit 511NY.org or 511NJ.org for further information on highway conditions.

NJ TRANSIT operations, customer service and police personnel are taking steps to minimize delays and ensure service reliability and safety.  Customers are strongly advised to check njtransit.com before traveling for up-to-the-minute service information.

The transit system will offer full systemwide cross-honoring for the entire service days – Monday, January 26 through Wednesday, January 28, enabling customers to use their ticket or pass on an alternate travel mode—rail, bus or light rail – including private carriers.  Please allow for extra travel time.

NJ TRANSIT plans to operate a regular weekday schedule, however, due to the predicted severity of this storm, there is potential for significant shutdowns of NJ TRANSIT’s rail, bus, light rail and Access Link service.  Please check njtransit.com for the latest service information.

NJ TRANSIT will also continue to closely monitor the crowds at New York Penn Station, Hoboken Terminal and the Port Authority Bus Terminal and make adjustments to service as necessary.

For the latest travel information, visit njtransit.com or access itsTwitter feed at @NJ_TRANSIT prior to starting your trip. In the event of delays or service adjustments, NJ TRANSIT will provide the most current service information via the My Transit alert system, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone, PDA or pager.  (If you are not yet a My Transit subscriber, sign up at www.njtransit.com/mytransit)  Service information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.

In anticipation of the storm, Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is taking the following steps to ensure that the utility is ready to respond to resulting power outages:

• Scheduling all available personnel so they are ready to respond beginning Monday.
• Arranging for contractors, including tree crews, to assist the utility’s own skilled workforce.
• Reaching out for 100 additional mutual aid assistance linemen.
• Ensuring that additional supplies, such as poles, transformers and other pole-top equipment, are on hand.
• Refueling all vehicles.
• Testing generators at utility locations.
• Coordinating with county and municipal emergency management personnel to inform them of outages and expedite restoration efforts.

“While snow by itself doesn’t normally pose a serious problem, heavy snow and strong winds can increase the possibility of downed wires and power outages,” said John Latka, PSE&G senior vice president for electric and gas operations. “These conditions will also make it difficult for our crews to get around and safely respond to any outages. We ask for our customers’ patience and cooperation as we work to restore service as quickly as possible.”

To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. Customers can also report power outages and view the status of their outage by logging in to My Account on www.pseg.com, PSE&G’s mobile-friendly website.

PSE&G offers the following tips to customers to prepare:

• Charge your cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices.
• Fill up your car’s fuel tank.
• Ensure you have a battery-powered radio and a supply of fresh batteries.
• Check your supply of flashlights, blankets, nonperishable food and bottled water.
• Have matches and candles with holders on-hand.
• If electricity is interrupted, keep refrigerator doors closed as much as possible.
• Compile a list of emergency phone numbers, including PSE&G’s Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG. Call this number to report power outages or downed wires.

PSE&G offers its customers a number of ways to stay in touch and informed before, during and after a storm. These tools can be found at www.pseg.com in the “Storm Center,” under “How you can stay connected.”

• Sign up for My Account and bookmark the mobile-friendly homepage on your smart phone so it’s easy to report outages and check restoration progress.
• To report power outages via text message, and receive outage updates by text and email, sign up for MyAlerts.
• Updated every 15 minutes, PSE&G’s online “Outage Map” displays the location and status of power outages in PSE&G’s service territory.
• The utility’s Twitter and Facebook pages also keep the public informed about restoration progress. Sign up as a follower to monitor restoration process.
• Be sure everyone in the family is prepared. Go to www.pseg.com/sesamestreet to learn how to download the PSEG and Sesame Street “Let’s Get Ready!” emergency preparedness app, along with tips on how to be ready for any emergency.

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