Byram Township is returning to normal

BYRAM — With the hard work of the Department of Public Works and the working crews from Jersey Central Power and Light and Verizon, Byram Township has almost completely recovered from Hurricane Sandy.

It was a difficult two weeks, to be sure. Police Chief Ray Rafferty, who also heads the Office of Emergency Management for the Township, reported to the Township Council on Tuesday, Nov. 20, on the damage sustained in the community and the ongoing efforts to recover.

No injuries reported

Forty to 50 homes were damaged by falling trees, including one house which was cut completely in half. Fifteen to 20 motor vehicles were damaged, including one police patrol car with two officers inside. Neither officer was injured and, in fact, there were no reported injuries to any township residents.

No looting reported

Shore communities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties and in New York were plagued by looting of the damaged homes. There were rumors that the same was happening in Byram Township, but those rumors proved to be false.

Mayor James Oscovitch and Township Manager Joseph Sabatini also reported to the Township Council. They and Chief Rafferty agree that the response of Jersey Central Power and Light and Verizon to the crisis left a lot to be desired on the management level, but when workers were finally dispatched to address repair the damage and restore electric power and telephone service they did heroic work.

The areas of the Township which have been developed more recently, such as the communities on the north side adjacent to Sparta Township, fared better, mainly because their power distribution cables are underground. On average they lost power for three to six days. Other areas, including the vital Route 206 business corridor and the municipal complex itself lost power for twelve days and had to depend on backup generators.

Shelter offered respite

The citizens of Hopatcong Borough and Byram Township worked together to shelter displaced people—and even their pets—at Hopatcong High School. Between 800 and 1,200 were housed at the shelter, and an additional 600 people each day were fed there. Fresh water was made available by the Fire Department.

Promise to improve communication

As in any crisis situation, not everything ran smoothly. Citizens have been concerned with lack of communication, and the Township Council members will be discussing improving the dissemination of emergency information in future. Byram residents, first responders, and repair crews worked together to get through the trying two weeks. Now the power has been restored, the roads are clear, the children are back in school, and the local businesses are open.