Remnants of Hurricane Ida - 9/3/2021
Fellow Roseland Residents:
I think we all knew that there was a chance of some flash flooding, given how wet it has been the last two weeks in Roseland, but we didn't know exactly how bad it would be. We wound up being one of the areas that received the localized rainfall that was warned about. I know many of you do not have power, some are dealing with flooding waters from streams, and some have water inside their house, and some have a combination of these horrible effects. The Borough Council and I continue to press other officials, utilities, and entities to ensure our Borough residents receive the resources, assistance, and restoration of services that we need.
To aid in that, I have declared a State of Emergency in the Borough.
All of us on the Council, and of course our first responders, want to do what we can to help you and your family recover. Please know that if flooding is still continuing in your area, pumping out your basement can cause structural damage and can lead to collapsing foundations. If your basement flooding is unmanageable, when the water recedes, and homes are deemed safe, the Fire Department may be able to assist in pump outs. You can call them at 973-226-1126. The Police Department is available to help in emergency situations and they can be reached at (973) 226-8700.
If you need to dispose of flooded/damaged items from the storm sooner than later, a dumpster will be located at the DPW Building at 300 Eagle Rock Avenue next to the red shipping container on the side of the building. If you have any damaged electronics, there is a separate container that those can be put in, located right next to there, which is labeled. If its something you cannot physically bring to the dumpster and/or you can wait to have it removed, there will be a bulk pickup on Wednesday the 8th.
The Roseland Free Public Library has electricity and has agreed to serve as a charging station for residents still without power. Please call the Library at 973-226-8636 to find out their hours and if there is space for you to come and charge your electronic devices at the time you want to come.
If you have experienced loss or damage of property, besides talking to your insurance company to see if you have any applicable coverage, you can call the NJ Department of Financial Services at 1-800-446-7467 and also contact FEMA's Distaster Assistance Improvement Program at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). If you need emotional support, contact NJ Mental Health Cares at 1-866-202-HELP (4357) for free and confidential help.
Certain roads and intersections in the Borough will remain closed or open to local traffic only until water subsides and the area is deemed safe. Please continue to exercise caution for areas of standing or ponding water, in addition to keeping an eye out for utility trucks working to restore power on our Borough roadways.
Let's support our friends and neighbors during this difficult time and come together as a community to do what is necessary to get through this time. Keep an eye on our social media pages, on our website, and be sure you are signed up for SwiftReach in case an emergency message needs to be sent out to the community from the Borough.
Mayor James R. Spango