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Oradell leaders thank DPW and mutual-aid crews as storm cleanup continues
Summary
Council members thanked DPW, police, fire and mutual-aid crews for responding to a severe storm that caused extensive tree damage across Oradell and nearby towns; officials estimated debris-removal could take 10–15 business days and urged residents to use the borough emergency alert system.
Oradell Borough Council members on July 14 praised borough staff and neighboring towns for their response to a severe storm that snapped large limbs, damaged property and caused injuries in parts of the borough.
Mayor Coates described the event as "serious stuff," saying the storm produced multiple downbursts that caused concentrated damage across five nearby towns. He thanked the DPW, police, fire departments and mutual-aid crews from neighboring municipalities, and said the borough had received offers of assistance. "We will have a debrief with our OEM folks to explain what happened, how our response worked, where we had some shortfalls, where we can plan better in the future," Coates said.
Council members repeatedly commended the DPW for long hours of work clearing streets, and urged residents to avoid leaving tree debris protruding into travel lanes. One council member urged residents to sign up for the borough emergency alert system (www.oradelalert.com) and, if internet or cell service is down, to keep a battery-powered radio as a backup source of local information.
Officials estimated it could take another 10 to 15 business days to clear remaining debris and restore normal street conditions. Council said it will coordinate mutual-aid resources and discuss possible policy changes related to trees and rights-of-way after the triage and cleanup phase.
What happens next: The borough will continue mutual-aid cleanup operations, provide updates to residents via the emergency alert system, and schedule an OEM debrief and policy discussion on tree-management and storm preparedness.
