Bruce Kunz, Realtor® Howell NJ Homes for Sale

Hurricane Irene Visits Howell, NewJersey.

........... SEE BELOW FOR UPDATES: ...........

It is expected that Hurricane Irene will be visiting Howell NJ (includes zip codes 07731, 07727, 07728, 07710) this weekend, August 27 & 28, 2011. As of this writing, the eye of the storm is expected to pass very close to the NJ shoreline, just a few miles East of Howell NJ. This means we may experience winds as strong as 90mph and possibly 10 inches of rain.

All First Responders and Township personnel are preparing for the storm in every way they can including (but not limited to):

• Evacuation plans are established;
• Emergency shelters are being prepared & will be open as needed;
• Vehicles, generator sets, & buildings are being readied and secured; and
• Personnel are being briefed and assigned tasks and coverages.

The Township of Howell Office of Emergency Management (HT-OEM) has established an Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This EOC includes a call center to handle resident's NON-Emergency issues related to Hurricane Irene.

• The phone number for NON-Emergent needs & Questions is 732-414-3245
• As always, PLEASE only use 911 for EMERGENCY needs.

For general Hurricane Preparedness Information, please visit FEMA Hurricane Emergency Preparedness Website. There is LOTS of great information there, as well as links to current storm information.

Additional Howell Township, NJ specific information will be available at the Township's Website.

I will be updating this post as more information becomes available. Please note that I am NOT a representative of the Township of Howell in any way

That said, please feel free to call, text, or email me if you have a non-emergency question and I'll do my best to answer or come up with an answer ASAP. Note: I expect to be out with Ramtown First Aid during some of the event so please be patient).

Please feel free to comment below with any additional information the public should need to know!

• 
  Updated 08/26/11 at 2:40pm:

The Monmouth County Red Cross is opening shelters at 5:00PM today at:

• Holmdel High School, 36 Crawford's Corner Rd., Holmdel, or
• Wall High School, 1630 18th Avenue, Wall Township.

The Garden State Parkway Southbound will be CLOSED South of Exit 98 begining at 8pm on August 26th for an undefined period.

Updated 08/27/11 at 9:05pm:

THIS REPORT IS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER STATION, LLC

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED

TORNADO WATCH NUMBER 812

NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK

755 PM EDT SAT AUG 27 2011

THE NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A TORNADO WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF

SOUTHWESTERN CONNECTICUT

SOUTHERN DELAWARE

EASTERN NEW JERSEY

FAR SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK AND LONG ISLAND COASTAL WATERS

EFFECTIVE THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY MORNING FROM 755 PM UNTIL 500 AM EDT.

TORNADOES...HAIL TO 0.5 INCH IN DIAMETER...THUNDERSTORM WIND GUSTS TO 70 MPH...AND DANGEROUS LIGHTNING ARE POSSIBLE IN THESE AREAS.

THE TORNADO WATCH AREA IS APPROXIMATELY ALONG AND 50 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF A LINE FROM 50 MILES SOUTH SOUTHEAST OF DOVER DELAWARE TO 15 MILES EAST NORTHEAST OF BRIDGEPORT CONNECTICUT. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE THE ASSOCIATED WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2).

REMEMBER...A TORNADO WATCH MEANS CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR TORNADOES AND SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA. PERSONS IN THESE AREAS SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THREATENING WEATHER CONDITIONS AND LISTEN FOR LATER STATEMENTS AND POSSIBLE WARNINGS.

OTHER WATCH INFORMATION...THIS TORNADO WATCH REPLACES TORNADO WATCH NUMBER 811. WATCH NUMBER 811 WILL NOT BE IN EFFECT AFTER

755 PM EDT.

• Updated 08/27/11 9:40pm:

A notice from the Township of Hopwell Manager Helene Schlegel

• Travel Alert:

  Please be advised that the Howell Township Office of Emergency Management strongly urges all residents to stay off the roads as storm worsens. Please be prepared for a complete travel ban as conditions deteriorate. Currently, we are starting to experience down trees, wires and flooding areas.

  Further updates will be forwarded.

  Helene Schlegel
  Township Manager

• 08/28/11 @ 4:46AM The following alert was issued:

THIS REPORT IS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER STATION, LLC

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ

445 AM EDT SUN AUG 28 2011

COUNTY SPECIFIC MESSAGE:

...RAIN BANDS FROM IRENE WILL AFFECT THE NEW JERSEY SHORE THIS MORNING...

LOOK FOR STRONG WINDS AND VERY HEAVY RAIN AS RAIN BANDS FROM IRENE TO AFFECT OCEAN AND MONMOUTH COUNTIES THROUGH 730 AM. IN THE RAIN BANDS...WINDS COULD GUST TO NEAR HURRICANE FORCE...AND VERY HEAVY WIND DRIVEN RAIN WILL AGGRAVATE ONGOING FLOODING.

• 6:30am August 28, 2011 Howell Travel Ban.

  August 28, 2011

  6:30am

  Urgent Message:

  Howell Township is issuing a full travel ban. No vehicular traffic allowed except for emergency service vehicles.

  Helene Schlegel
  Township Manager

• 7:00am - I just woke up.
  
• I slept through the night (a good thing to do during a big storm!) so it It'll be a little bit before I am up to speed. I understand Irene is bareky still a hurricane and made landfall at about 5:30am at Little Egg Harbor Inlet. Little Egg Harbor is in Ocean County, NJ about 15 miles North of Atlantic City and about 40 miles South of Howell.
  
  The winds are blowing here, but not with much of the force of earlier. I guess Irene is here!
  
  We've not yet lost power. Lots of leaves on the ground and it is pouring rain.and from what I can hear "the usual" places are flooding as expected. I'm hearing just about everywhere is impassable because of tress, wires, and or flooding blocking roads.
  
• More later as I can get it together and get back to write it down.

• NOTICE (08/28/11 @ 10:00am): ALL crossings of the Manasquan R
• iver in Howell ARE CLOSED due to flooding at this time.
  This includes Rte 547, Southard Ave, Ketcham Rd, Lemon Rd, Havens Bridge and Route 9 (between Casino & Strickland Rd).

It is essentially gridlock since there is no way around it in this area and traffic (why is there traffic anyway??) is being diverted essentially in circles... If you don't need t obe out, please wait a little longer!

08/29/11 7am update.

While most of the Manasquan River crossings have been reopened, there are several subject to continued closure. Southatd Ave bridge (by Howell High School) is expected to be closed most of the day. There are still numerous areas without power. In addition to a nightmare for residents, this is leavign many traffic lights out as well. Many intersection crossings are simply blocked off forcing drivers to go off course without direction. Be aware of idiots making U-turns and other "strange moves" in an effort to get back on track.

At this time, the Garden State Parkway Southbound is still closed between Exits 98 to 91.
additionally, Power is OUT in the Exit 91 area - lights are not working.

NJTransit still has limited operations (NO rail services at this time) so it certainly is difficult to get anywhere. The 3 NY area airports are expected to reopen later this morning.

• At this time In Howell:
• Herbertsville Rd is closed between Newtons Corner and Rte 547 (and that light is out).
• Newton's Corner Rd between Abrham & Bristlecone is closed due to a pole leaning over the roadway.
• Aldrich Road West into Jackson due to flooding (and awaiting a bridge inspection).
• Fort Plains Rd in the area of Sunnyside Rd for a washout.

Things have begun to retun to normal, however there are still MANY people without power and others affected by flooding or the effects thereof. Please check on your neighbors. This situation can be overwhelming for many and just knowing someone is thinking of them can be a huge comfort.

08/30/11 AM Update.

As things begin to settle down (at least in our area), crews are catching up a bit. Most roads are reopened after trees and power lines have been cleared however some are still blocked. Additionally, temporary road closures or delays may be encountered as crews continue to work on non-emergent clean-ups and repairs.

The Howell Township OEM Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been closed. Should you need Non-Emergency assisatance, please call the Howell Township (HPD) at 732-938-4111.

As always, Emergency Only assistance is available at 911.

This will be my last update to this post. I hope it has been of help. Should you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to let me know.

Thank you and Be Safe!
Bruce

The Howell Township, NJ Recycling Center will be open daily, seven days per week, between 7:30am and 3:00pm from now until August 21, 2011. The Recycling Center site is located adjacent to the Public Works building at 278 Old Tavern Road, Howell, NJ 07731, Using another landmark - it is across from the Howell Pop Warner & Howell Central Little League fields.

This additional availability is primarily due to the tree and brush damages caused by recent storms. Many residents have a need to dispose of brush they've collected on their property.

Additionally, the Howell Township NJ Department of Public Works is continuing it's pickup of brush place roadside by residents. Please be advised that several sections of the Township have been completed. Once completed, that section will not be revisited for this special pickup.

Please contact the Howell Township NJ Department of Public Works at 732-938-4500 x2450 or x2451 with any questions or needs. Additional information is available on the Howell Township Website.

I'd like to personally thank the Township for making these services available. In these times of constant cutbacks and budgets problems, helping to accommodate the needs of their "customers" is definitely appreciated and refreshing.

Is There a Streetlight Out?

Streetlights are put up for convenience, safety and security. Whether it is on a public street or private lot, a streetlight or area light is there for a reason, is being paid for, and should be lit at night.

Streetlights are paid for by either the roadway "owner" (Town, County, State) or the property owner where the pole resides. Those in business know there is a separate charge on their bill for any street or area lights they have requested be put in place. This includes Townships and Counties - in other words - our tax dollars!! Doesn't matter whether they are are on or off, it is $x.xx per month for each light. Even if they are out - you pay!

Unfortunately, since there are numerous streetlights and area lights (like the ones in parking lots), it is really impossible for anyone to keep track of them all. The days of the power company having a "night crew" designed to wander about checking for streetlight function inbetween emergencies are long gone.

This is where we can help.

There is a problem even if the light is not "out" A "blinking" streetlight (usually orange-ish, it will come on for a minute or two, then go out, repeatedly) usually means the bulb is bad. Conversely, a light that stays on all day long is not operating properly either.

OK. You've noticed there is a problem. What do you do??

Most, it not all, power companies have a phone number to call and/ or a Web access form just for this purpose. They work. I've reported a number of lights out and they have all been fixed in a reasonable amount of time.

In our Monmouth and Ocean County area, Jersey Central Power & Light ( a division of First Energy who owns power companies across the country) is our provider. JCP&L has a special web page to to report street light outages. Go to Jersey Central Power & Light's Streetlight Outage Webpage and fill out the form.

If you can get it, provide the pole number. While it's location and form does vary, the pole number is often printed on a metal tag attached to the pole.

If you'd like updates as to the progress of your report, provide your email address.

As you wander about the area, you're sure to notice some street lights out. Help both your fellow residents and the power company by making it known. Everyone will be safer and more secure for it!

If you have any questions or need help reporting a situation, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Enjoy your day.
Bruce

ICE - In Case of Emergency.

Recently there have been a number of posts reminding us to be vigilant when dealing with strangers - something inherent in our business. The suggestions in them have been on target and I hope all are informing others of their itineraries.

Unfortunately, no matter how much we plan, the unexpected still happens. Whether on the job or just going to the grocery store, the unthinkable can happen. A collision, a heart attack, a diabetic episode or a fall all take only a little time and can leave us unable to speak for ourselves.

YES - "it" can happen to any of us!

If "it" happened to you, would emergency personnel know who to contact for vital, perhaps life saving, information? How would your loved ones be notified?

Even if you have a condition that warrants wearing an identification bracelet or necklace, there may be more needed. The ICE (In Case of Emergency) program has been growing for years and is a simple way to provide you with a voice in the event you don't have one. As an EMT, I can vouch that we do look for it when the patient can't help us. Sometimes even when they can. It brings family and loved ones together for you in your time of need and, by selecting the right person(s), could even save your life.

It's as simple as programming a phone number of someone you can depend on into your cell phone - using a name beginning as ICE. It can helps to have a name too, but the important part is to start it with ICE.

• ICE Carolyn.
  
• ICE Mom & Dad.
  
• ICE Bob.

Obviously it is important to protect yourself as much as you can to prevent a problem in the first place. Picking the right person to speak for you in an emergency is easy insurance that your needs and wishes will be accommodated. Please let your contacts know they are on you list - and what you expect of them is they get a call. Should a call be made, it is always unexpected and your contact needs t obe able to maintain their composure - for you.

Thanks for reading.

Do you have ICE contacts in your cell phone?

Be a Life Saver! Donate a pint of blood at the June 24th Blood Drive at the Windmill Club Clubhouse in Howell NJ.

Windmill Club residents Denise Deriso and Stephanie Shrifrin have organized a blood drive with the Central Jersey Blood Center. Download a copy of the flyer here. Although this is located in our community, this drive (as all are) is for anyone who can stop by for about 1/2 hour to donate a pint of blood. One bag can save up to 3 lives!!

It will be held:

• Where: The Windmill Club Clubhouse
  • 1 Eagle Drive, Howell, NJ 07731
• When: Thursday, June 24, 2010
  • from 5:30pm thru 9:30pm
• By: the Central Jersey Blood Center

Walk-Ins are Welcome!!

or to schedule a donation time, check the CJBC Website (enter zip code 07731)

The Windmill Club, Howell, NJ 07731 is a Condominium and Single Family community. We are located in the Southwestern part of Howell, NJ. Our location is convient to numerous shopping, dining, recreational and youth opportunities. We are also located within walking distance of a Route 9 bus to either Lakewood or as far as the Port Authority in New York City. Being near Rte 195 also makes getting to the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike, Great Adventure and the Ocean Beaches as well.

The Central Jersey Blood Center was established over 40 years ago. They service over a dozen area hospitals with blood and blood components which help treat premature babies, burn & trauma victims, cancer patients, and many other conditions. They have 3 fixed locations (in Howell, Shrewsbury, and Toms River) but about 65% of their blood supply comes from mobile blood drives like this one at the Windmill Club Clubhous in Howell on June 24.

Please remember:

• All equipment used during the procedure is sterile and disposible.
• All donors must be Healthy, at least 17 years old, and weigh at least 120lbs.
• All donors must present a signature ID.
• ALL DONORS WILL BE ENTERED INTO A GIFT CARD DRAWING!!

We look forward to seeing you! If you have any questions or need directions, Please feel free to call me.

Bruce