Storm Preparedness

The Borough of Oakland continuously monitors storms that have a potential impact on Oakland. In the event of sever weather, Oakland residents are reminded of the below important information.

Utilities:

Orange and Rockland Utilities: 

If you experience a power outage, don’t assume that O&R automatically knows about it. They can report it and check to see when their lights will be back on by:

  • Visiting www.oru.com/ReportOutage from any computer or web-based mobile device
  • Accessing O&R’s mobile app from your iPhone, iPad or Android device – download via Apple Store or Google Play
  • Text messaging by texting “OUT” to 69678 (myORU)
  • Calling 1-877-434-4100

Once it is safe to assess storm damage and begin service restoration, O&R crews will give priority to making repairs that clear major community roads – work that also restores power to a sizable number of neighboring customers. At the same time, crews will restore power to critical and emergency facilities (police and fire stations, and hospitals, for example). Then, crews will focus on getting power back on to those locations that will return electricity to the most customers quickly. Crews then will work their way down to restore smaller outages and individual customer’s outages.

The following video describes the typical storm repair and power restoration process: https://youtu.be/JeGU8ID4_m0

Altice/Optimum: 

In the event our services are impacted, customers can visit My Account  for service updates. You can also:

  1. Message Optimum at optimum.net/chat 
  2. Send Tweet to @Optimumhelp 
  3. Call us at (866) 950-3278 

In addition, you can sign up to receive service alerts via text or voice message by going to My Account. Once they’re set up, we'll notify them directly when outages affect service. They'll get restoration timing and other updates until their Optimum service is restored. 

Report Downed Wires: 

In the event of severe weather, residents should immediately report downed wires to the Oakland Police Department at (201) 337-6171. Residents should never go near a downed power line, even if they think it is no longer carrying electricity. Extra caution should be used in areas where downed lines are tangled in trees or other debris. Motorists are cautioned to treat intersections with inoperable traffic signals as four-way stops.

Receiving Notifications During Storm Emergencies: 

Residents are urged to register for Swift Reach Reverse 911 Calls & Email Blasts to receive urgent notifications throughout the duration of the storm. In addition, all correspondence will be posted to the Borough Website and on the Borough social media channels:

In the event of inclement weather in the forecast, residents are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of outages:

  • Keep electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops and tablet computers fully charged to be ready for any emergencies;
  • Keep a flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries handy in the event a power interruption occurs. Tune to a local station for current storm information;
  • Never use a portable generator inside the house or a closed garage in the event of a power outage. Ensure the proper generator is selected and installed by a qualified electrician. When operating a generator, the power coming into the home should always be disconnected. Otherwise, power from the generator could be sent back onto the utility lines, creating a hazardous situation for utility workers;
  • Gather extra blankets or a sleeping bag for each person. Do not use gas stoves, kerosene heaters or other open-flame heat sources to prevent deadly carbon monoxide gas from building up in your home;
  • If you have a water well and pump, keep an emergency supply of bottled water and/or fill your bathtub with fresh water;
  • Stock an emergency supply of convenience foods that do not require cooking;
  • Mobile phones can be charged in your vehicle using a car charger when the power is out. If you have a smart phone, this will ensure you have access to online information sources;
  • Fill your gas tank. This adds weight to the vehicle which will provide better traction in the snow if driving becomes absolutely necessary;
  • Increase the cold setting in the refrigerator, In the event of a power loss, food will be maintained for a longer period;
  • Maintain a good shovel – Residents who are capable of shoveling could assist seniors and other neighbors who are unable to clear a path to the residence. This will assist local emergency responders in the event that they respond to the residence;
  • Residents can assist the local Fire Department by making sure that fire hydrants are accessible with the snow cleared;
  • Residents can assist DPW by making sure that residential storm drains are cleared of snow

Previous Notices: 

February 3, 2021:

Should your mailbox be damaged by the Department of Public Works due to snow removal operations, you must email the DPW Roads Department at roads@oakland-nj.org.

Due to the impact of the storm, all COVID-19 vaccination appointments at the Bergen County Vaccination Center at the Alternate Care Facility Annex at the Bergen New Bridge Medical Center that were scheduled for Monday February 1, 2021 and Tuesday February 2, 2021 will be honored through this Saturday February 6, 2021. You must bring proof of your scheduled appointment. For more information, visit www.co.bergen.nj.us.

The Borough of Oakland is hosting Free Nasal Swab PCR COVID-19 testing at the Oakland Senior Center, 20 Lawlor Drive, Oakland, NJ 07436. Testing dates are every Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Due to the storm there is also a makeup testing date this Sunday February 7, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Testing is open to all Oakland, Franklin Lakes, and Wyckoff residents. Residents must bring proof of residency and insurance card, if applicable. Residents are asked to remain in your vehicle and an attendee will come to your car. Masks are required inside your vehicle. Residents must register online at https://test.oaklandnj.online. Any questions, contact the Oakland Board of Health at (201) 337-8111, ext. 2018.

If you have not done so yet, please shovel your sidewalk and around fire hydrants as well. Thank you for your cooperation during this storm.

February 2, 2021:

Electronics Collection scheduled for Wednesday February 3, 2021 remains cancelled.

However, Recycling Collection scheduled for Wednesday February 3, 2021 will be collected. 

In addition, Borough Offices, including the Senior Center, Oakland Library, and Municipal Court will be opening on Wednesday February 3, 2021. Snow

Should your mailbox be damaged by the Department of Public Works due to snow removal operations, you must email the DPW Roads Department at roads@oakland-nj.org. 

Due to the impact of the storm, all COVID-19 vaccination appointments at the Bergen County Vaccination Center at the Alternate Care Facility Annex at the Bergen New Bridge Medical Center that were scheduled for Monday February 1, 2021 and Tuesday February 2, 2021 will be honored this Wednesday through Saturday February 3-6. You must bring proof of your scheduled appointment. For more information, visit www.co.bergen.nj.us. 

The Borough of Oakland is hosting Free Nasal Swab PCR COVID-19 testing at the Oakland Senior Center, 20 Lawlor Drive, Oakland, NJ 07436. Testing dates are every Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Due to the storm there is also a makeup testing date this Sunday February 7, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Testing is open to all Oakland, Franklin Lakes, and Wyckoff residents. Residents must bring proof of residency and insurance card, if applicable. Residents are asked to remain in your vehicle and an attendee will come to your car. Masks are required inside your vehicle. Residents must register online at www.test.oaklandnj.online. Any questions, contact the Oakland Board of Health at (201) 337-8111, ext. 2018. 

Please remember to shovel your sidewalk and around fire hydrants as well. Thank you for your cooperation during this storm. 

February 2, 2021:
 

Due to the ongoing snowstorm, please note the following service changes:

  • Garbage Collection for Tuesday February 2, 2021 remains cancelled.  Electronics Collection scheduled for Wednesday, February 3, 2021 also remains cancelled.
  • The Oakland Public Library will be closed on Tuesday February 2, 2021.
  • The Senior Center will be closed on Tuesday February 2, 2021, but virtual classes via Zoom will still take place.
  • Borough Offices, including the Municipal Court, will be closed on Tuesday February 2, 2021, but staff will be working remotely.
  • State of New Jersey Offices remain closed on Tuesday February 2, 2021. The State of Emergency issued by Governor Murphy remains in effect.

Please remember to shovel your sidewalk and around fire hydrants as well.  Do not travel unless it is necessary.  Stay safe and be well.

February 1, 2021:

Due to the impending snowstorm, please note the following service changes:

  • Garbage Collection for both Monday February 1st and Tuesday February 2nd is cancelled. Electronics Collection scheduled for Wednesday, FebruarySnow 3rd is also cancelled.
  • The Oakland Public Library will be closed.
  • The Senior Center will be closed but virtual classes via Zoom will still take place.
  • Borough Offices, including the Municipal Court, will be closed but staff will be working remotely.

The current forecast by the National Weather Service (NWS) is for more than a foot of snow. Please remember to shovel your sidewalk and around fire hydrants as well. Do not travel unless it is necessary.

In the event of a power outage, contact Orange and Rockland Utilities as soon as power has gone out. Text messaging is available by texting “OUT” to 69678 (myORU) or by calling 1-877-434-4100. Should your cable/internet service be interupted, customers can visit My Account  for service updates. You can also message Optimum at optimum.net/chat, send a tweet to @Optimumhelp, or call them at (866) 950-3278 

The Oakland Police Department can be contacted for non-emergency issues at (201) 337-6171.  

Please make sure that you look after yourself, relatives and neighbors as we work to keep Oakland safe and strong.

December 15, 2020: 

Borough Offices (Except for Emergency Services) will be closing at 3:30 p.m. today in anticipation of the snowstorm. Borough Offices (Except for Emergency Services) will be closed to the public on Thursday December 17, 2020, however, Borough staff will be working remotely and residents can call to transact business. The Oakland Senior Center will be closed on Thursday December 17, 2020, but the scheduled Zoom Fitness class will still take place. In addition, the Oakland Public Library will be closed on Thursday December 17, 2020. As a reminder, Southside garbage collection for Thursday December 17, 2020 has been suspended and pickup will resume on Monday December 21, 2020. Governor Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency effective at 2:00 p.m. today, and all non-essential travel is discouraged. Please report any non-emergency matters to the Oakland Police Department at (201) 337-6171.

The Borough is closely monitoring the winter storm as forecasted by U.S. National Weather Service (NWS). Accumulation predictions from the National Weather Service predict 12-16 inches for the Borough of Oakland, with snowfall beginning around 4:00 p.m. today. Weather AlertGovernor Murphy has issued a State of Emergency effective 2:00 p.m. today, December 16, 2020. All non-essential travel is discouraged. 

  • As a reminder, according to Borough Ordinance 7-10, parking on Borough streets is prohibited during snow storms. This parking restriction is in effect until the storm has ended and the streets have been sufficiently cleared of snow. This ordinance is in place to allow DPW employees to properly plow the streets without interference and to ensure the roadway is clear of snow and ice well beyond the end of the storm.
  • As a reminder according to Borough Ordinance 12-5, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to clear the sidewalk and fire hydrant located on your property of all snow and ice. By shoveling your sidewalk and clearing snow from around the fire hydrant, it creates a safer walkway for children and other pedestrians. It also gives our volunteer fire personnel easier access to the hydrant in case there is a fire emergency in your neighborhood.

In the event of a power outage, contact Orange and Rockland Utilities as soon as power has gone out. Text messaging is available by texting “OUT” to 69678 (myORU) or by calling 1-877-434-4100. Should your cable/internet service be interupted, customers can visit My Account  for service updates. You can also message Optimum at optimum.net/chat, send a tweet to @Optimumhelp, or call them at (866) 950-3278 

The Oakland Police Department can be contacted for non-emergency issues at (201) 337-6171.  

Please make sure that you look after yourself, relatives and neighbors as we work to keep Oakland safe and strong.