Weekly Messsage from Mayor Madden: An Unwelcome Visit from Ida
Many weeks I try to think of some substantive public service information that may be beneficial to our residents. Along the way an EF-3 storm came to visit unleashing all its fury and destruction the likes of which we have not seen in recent memory. In fact, the swiftness and sudden effect caught many people off guard. Judging by the numbers of vehicles that got swept up in the floodwaters bespeaks of the ferocity and severity of this weather event. It is just amazing to think of how so much water that was released from the clouds was able to be airborne to begin with.
The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season running from June 1 to November 30 is on track to have the highest number of hurricane/tropical storms with the highest composite total of rainfall.
More and more, we are experiencing these very dangerous storms with significant storm surge and an already saturated land. Over 9 inches of rain was recorded in our area. Due to the swiftness of the current, those seasoned storm “survivors” were completely caught off guard in the later portion of the night when the bulk of the damage and rain surged so quickly. Most unfortunate is the loss of life which occurred as people drowned in their vehicles while others attempted to get through the storm on foot.
We all heard with increasing frequency those storm alerts on our cell phones. Many residents had water in their basements for the first time. Still others had significant damage to their residences many of which were deemed uninhabitable as documented from officials.
Governor Murphy announced that $10 million in financial relief will be available for small businesses (50 employees or less) impacted by the storm. This program will be administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The program will provide short term, immediate rent/ mortgage reimbursement for storm-impacted businesses and non-profits.
In addition, FEMA officials visited our town yesterday to document those residential properties to potentially provide relief (grants) for those damaged properties. The focus is only on owner-occupied properties as of now.
Post-Storm Safety Tips
Many injuries occur right after any storm especially when there is wind damage, power outages and flooding.
Avoid wading or driving through floodwaters. Children should also stay away. The swiftness of the water flow can easily be underestimated. Debris, logs or dangerous solid objects can cause injury unseen just below the surface.
Generators must be strictly used outdoors and in areas far enough from indoor exposure of the exhaust being drawn inside.
During cleanup, wear protective clothing and gloves. Gas furnaces and hot water heaters require unimpeded exhaust flow through venting to the outside of the house. Blockages may cause carbon monoxide from lingering within the house. This colorless and odorless gas can be deadly.
This safety precaution is extremely important as many of us may be unaware. During a flood event, gas pilots may go out allowing gas to collect. Damaged house foundations may cause gas leaks in the gas lines to discharge.
Ignition may be caused by turning on a light switch, a ringing doorbell, starting your car in the garage, static electricity, turning on an electrical appliance, an overheated electrical transformer, lighting a cigarette even the use of a cell phone can trigger an explosion. We have already had several structures (homes and commercial buildings) that exploded, caught fire and were leveled. Fortunately there was no loss of life.
Lastly, I would like to personally thank Chief Geist who keep me advised throughout and provided a detailed Situation Report (number 4) of emergencies, The entire Police Department who were handling the enormous number of calls, Jack Costa and the OEM team for their emergency services ( and also for opening up the facility at the Rec. center for displaced residents), Chief Bird and our dedicated Fire Department including their boat rescues, The Rescue Squad, Mr. Lenny Vidal and the entire DPW crew many of whom worked all night. In addition, I wish to thank Dan Erickson and the Elks for their hospitality, providing a shelter along with John Ellery for providing food for our displaced residents. Food was also provided to our First Responders as well. Food was also provided from Sal’s Deli. To all our volunteers who devoted their time and energy in this most difficult situation- I appreciate all that you do. Thank you to those Council members who provided so much of themselves. I truly apologize if I have neglected to mention anybody here.
On a good note, perhaps this storm has also gotten rid of those pesky spotted lanternflies.
Be safe and please extend a helping hand to those in need.
Mayor John L. Madden