Mayor: Communication Suffered After Sandy

The following is a statement released to the media from Hopatcong Mayor Sylvia Petillo on Monday afternoon:

"As of today, the Borough of Hopatcong is almost 100% restored. We can only imagine the frustration and anger the residents remaining without power are experiencing. JCP&L expects the rest of the Borough to be restored shortly.

The level of damage from Hurricane Sandy greatly surpassed Hurricane Irene of 2011 and the October 2011 Blizzard. Our efforts will continue as there is still much work to be done around the Borough, clearing trees, poles and debris from roads and property.

We continue to question our utilities and seek the answers as to why communications was poor and inaccurate and why power restoration took so long. We are in contact with the County and State officials demanding action. We are speaking with the schools that will be open Tuesday except for the high school which will open Wednesday.

We have learned much from this devastating experience. The performance and response from our DPW, Police, Emergency Management Staff, Fire Department Volunteers, CERT Volunteers, Dispatchers, Ambulance Squad, School Officials, Teachers and all Support Staff has been exceptional.

Where we were lacking or fell short was in our ability to communicate our actions, details and responses to the public. Our Borough internet and website were down for 10 days creating difficulties and challenges in communications, while Smartphone technology was our only access to social media.

Reverse 911 was down as was resident’s ability to receive calls. Public radio contact was hit or miss. The Herald and Alternative Press were contacted but information was slow, inaccurately reported and outdated as soon as printed.

We have already started looking at improving our social media and other means of communicating that will improve our abilities to communicate promptly, accurately and to a greater number of our residents."