Storm Recovery: A Guide for Residents *Do's, Don'ts and Who Is Responsible for What?

Message from Mayor Dougherty: Storm Response

Town of Morristown Residents,

During and after severe storms our Department of Public Works (DPW), OEM, Police Department, and Fire Department work diligently to clear roadways, restore safe conditions, and assist with storm cleanup throughout Morristown. We appreciate your patience as our professionals complete these efforts.

To help residents better understand the storm response process, we would like to clarify the responsibilities of JCP&L or other pole utilities, the Town, and property owners when trees are brought down during a storm.

WHEN TREES ARE ENTANGLED WITH POWER LINES:

Safety is our highest priority. If a downed tree involves electrical wires, the Town must wait until JCP&L (or other pole utilities) has safely addressed the hazard before any cleanup can begin.
During this time, Town professionals will secure the area by placing barricades and restricting access until it is safe to proceed.

JCP&L'S RESPONSIBILITY (OR OTHER POLE UTILITY):

JCP&L (or other pole utilities) is responsible for removing tree limbs and sections necessary to safely restore electric service when trees interfere with power lines.
After completing their work, JCP&L leaves the remaining logs and brush on the property from which the tree originated.
If you see a downed power line call 9-1-1 immediately and stay at least 30 feet away from the line and instruct others to do the same. **Do not try to move or touch the line.

TOWN OF MORRISTOWN DPW'S RESPONSIBILITY:

The DPW removes trees and debris that have fallen within the public right-of-way, including roadways, to restore safe passage.
Town crews also clear walking paths in our parks and remove trees that originate from Town-owned park property, including those that may fall into adjacent residential backyards.
As part of our normal cleanup operations, DPW professionals will return to collect eligible brush placed at the curb. DPW crews cannot enter private property to remove storm debris or privately owned trees. Residents should contact a licensed tree service or contractor for assistance beyond the Town’s collection guidelines.

Homeowner Responsibility:

Tree debris that remains on private property is the responsibility of the homeowner.
Residents may place brush at the curb for Town collection, provided the branches are no larger than four (4) inches in diameter.
Larger logs and tree trunks are the homeowner's responsibility for removal or disposal.
Operate portable generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from homes, doors, and windows. Never use generators indoors or in enclosed areas due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Our professionals have been working long hours under challenging conditions to clean up our community following the storm. We appreciate their dedication and thank our residents for their continued patience and cooperation as cleanup efforts continue.

If you have questions regarding storm debris collection, please contact Town of Morristown Department of Public Works at 973-292-6670. Power Outages should be reported to JCP&L/First Energy per the contact information listed below, however if you remain without power and are not getting the answers you need, please contact the Mayor’s Office at (973) 292-6629 and our team will coordinate with JCP&L.

The Town monitors storm impacts and remains in coordination with our regional partners, including Morris County Office of Emergency Management and JCP&L, to address outstanding issues and support recovery efforts. Thank you for your understanding as we work together to safely restore our community.

IMPORTANT MORRISTOWN PHONE NUMBERS

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: 973-292-6670

JCP&L: 1-888-544-4877 or WWW.FIRSTENERGYCORP.COM

MAYOR Tim Dougherty: 973-292-6629

NON-EMERGENCY POLICE: 973-538-2200

TRUE EMERGENCY PLEASE CALL 911

-Mayor Tim Dougherty