Secaucus Xchange residents remain without power, town opens sites to children

SECAUCUS – Secaucus Police, and Fire Departments, the Office of Emergency Management and the Department of Public Works (DPW) are all actively engaged in recovery and clean-up efforts. The Secaucus Public Library remains open as a site of refuge and shelter. Meadowlands Hospital and Medical Center is open and fully operational.
“We are in pretty good shape,” said Mayor Michael Gonnelli. He said on Thursday that 99 percent of the town had power with the exception of residents that live in the Xchange development and a small portion of Harmon Cove. He noted that the DPW was focused on clean-up and restoration; the Police Department on safety and regulation of fuel at gas stations; and that the Fire Department and EMS are both stationed at the Xchange development because of the ongoing power outage.
The municipality also sent fire trucks to Moonachie and Hoboken to provide assistance in recent days.
Many homes in areas that border the Hackensack River suffered damage from flooding. While people recover, the municipality has opened a number of sites to children who are residents. The Recreation Center is located at 1200 Koelle Boulevard and will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for children of all ages but proof of residency is required. The Recreation Center can also be used for showers between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. if residents are out of hot water. The gym at the High School is also open for showers on Nov. 2 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
The Tot Center is located at 145 Front Street and will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for children 5 and under.
The municipality has been advised by United Water that the drinking water is safe to drink.
Residents can begin the process of filing their claim with FEMA. Contact FEMA at (800)621-3362 or their website www.disasterassistance.gov.

© 2000, Newspaper Media Group