HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Following recent severe storms, Hanover Township’s Department of Public Works, Office of Emergency Management, Police Department, Fire Departments, and emergency medical services have been working to clear roadways, restore safe conditions, and assist with storm cleanup, Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher said in a message to residents.
Gallagher outlined the responsibilities of Jersey Central Power & Light, or other pole utilities, the township, and property owners when trees are brought down during a storm.
When a downed tree is entangled with power lines, the township must wait until the utility has addressed the hazard before cleanup can begin. During that time, township professionals secure the area with barricades and restrict access until it is safe to proceed.
Jersey Central Power & Light, 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 that work, the utility leaves the remaining logs and brush on the property from which the tree originated. Residents who see a downed power line should call 911 immediately, stay at least 30 feet away, and avoid touching or moving the line.
The township’s Department of Public Works removes trees and debris that have fallen within the public right-of-way, including roadways, to restore safe passage. Crews also clear walking paths in parks and remove trees originating from township-owned park property, including those that fall into adjacent residential backyards. As part of normal cleanup operations, Department of Public Works professionals will return to collect eligible brush placed at the curb.
Tree debris that remains on private property is the responsibility of the homeowner. Residents may place brush at the curb for township collection, provided the branches are no larger than four inches in diameter. Larger logs and tree trunks are the homeowner’s responsibility for removal or disposal.
“Our professionals have been working long hours under challenging conditions to clean up our community following the storm,” Gallagher said. “We appreciate their dedication and thank our residents for their continued patience and cooperation as cleanup efforts continue.”
Residents with questions regarding storm debris collection are encouraged to contact the Hanover Township Department of Public Works at (973) 428-2495. Additional contacts include Mayor Gallagher’s office at (973) 441-0114, the Office of Emergency Management at (973) 390-3650, non-emergency police at (973) 428-2511, and Jersey Central Power & Light at 1-888-544-4877 or firstenergycorp.com. In a true emergency, residents should call 911.
