Hurricane Irene: Handy Numbers To Stick To The Fridge

As Hurricane Irene approaches the Jersey Shore, Little Silver and Oceanport Police and emergency workers are reminding people that call volume skyrockets during a crisis. Many of the calls are non-emergency calls that could be better handled by another agency. 

The following is a partial list of phone numbers to call related to specific problems you may have:

• Downed trees or flooding: (732) 280-4380
• Power outages, call JCP&L: 1-888-LIGHTSS (544-4877)
• Gas leaks: NJ Natural Gas: 800-GAS-LEAK (800-427-5325)  
• Water supply: NJ American Water Company: 800-652-6987
• Phone service or FIOS television, call Verizon: 1-800-837-4966
• Cable TV service, Comcast: (732) 542-7603.

All emergency situations, however, residents should not hesitate to call 9-1-1.

Additionally, officials recommend that you follow these tips after this a storm:

• Stay informed and continue to listen to weather and information updates.
• Do not touch fallen or low-hanging wires under any circumstances. Stay away from puddles with wires in/near them. Do not touch trees or other objects in contact with power lines.
• After power is restored, check refrigerated food for spoilage. Spoiled food can cause sickness two days to a week after the storm.
• Do not operate charcoal grills, propane camping stoves or generators indoors.