FREEHOLD – Monmouth County officials have lifted the curfew for some municipalities, however the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. ban is still in effect for coastal communities.
Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden indicated that the curfew remains in effect for the coastal municipalities of Aberdeen, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Atlantic Highlands, Avon-By-The-Sea, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Brielle, Deal, Interlaken, Hazlet, Highlands, Keansburg, Keyport, Lake Como, Loch Arbour, Long Branch, Manasquan, Matawan, Middletown (East of Route 36), Monmouth Beach, Sea Bright, Sea Girt, Spring Lake and Union Beach.
“We are now confident that the ban can be lifted for some of the county and appreciate the public’s compliance in this important order,” Golden said.
While the countywide ban has been lifted in nearly half of Monmouth County towns, local municipal curfews may continue to remain in effect according to Golden.
Red Bank is implementing its own curfew and has imposed a curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice according to Red Bank Police Capt. Darren McConnell.
In Little Silver, the police department said residents should continue to adhere to the county’s 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.curfew.
In Fair Haven, Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge said the borough would “play it by ear,” meaning that additional patrols will be out and police will see if activity on Friday and Saturday night warrants extending the curfew.
Middletown Public Information Officer Cindy Herrschaft said that the township will continue to follow the county curfew structure, while the Rumson Police Department indicated that there would not be any curfew imposed.
Voting
According to Monmouth County Clerk M. Claire French, voting in Monmouth County will proceed.
While normal polling places in certain areas may not be available due to damage caused by Sandy, French stressed that any Monmouth County resident registered to vote can vote in person any day now through Monday at the Board of Elections Office, 300 Halls Mill Road, Freehold. The office is open until 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; and from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday.
For residents in areas where normal polling places are unreachable, alternate voting locations are being established. Voters should check the Monmouth County website at www.visitmonmouth.com and click on the County Clerk’s Election Division page. A complete list of alternate sites will be posted by Saturday.
In addition, Monmouth County has established a Hurricane Sandy informational hotline. The phone number is 732-303-2882.
“We have set up this phone center to assist residents in finding the information they need to cope with this devastating storm,” Freeholder Director John P. Curley said. “A call to the Hurricane Hotline will give residents quick and easy access to phone numbers and information to help them rebuild.”
The hotline, which became operational at 8 a.m. Friday,will be open from 7 am to 7 pm Saturday and Sunday.
Debris
Many may be wondering what to do with debris as cleanup continues. It must be separated into four separate categories, according to a Monmouth County press release.
“Every resident that is cleaning up in the wake of Hurricane Sandy should separate all debris into four major categories,” Office of Emergency Management Director Mike Oppegaard said. “Each town must separate storm debris from trash and the towns need assistance of residents to move this cleanup along in an efficient and responsible manner.”
The debris must be separated into the following four categories:
- Vegetation – under 3-inches in diameter and clean wood
- Vegetative – over 3-inches in diameter and stumps
- Metal
- Regular garbage
Retired Law Enforcement Officers Needed
Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden has also called upon retired law enforcement personnel to volunteer to assist the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office in its response to recovery efforts.
Any retired law enforcement officers who wish to volunteer can call the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management at 732-431-7400, Ext.3840.
