RANDOLPH TWP. -- The township and the Randolph YMCA have collaborated on a two-fold agreement to enhance emergency services for residents and businesses.
A message board has been installed on the Y's property at 14 Dover Chester Road to provide electronic public announcements in advance of and during emergency events. As part of the agreement, the Y may use the sign to display announcements for YMCA programs and activities during non-emergency times.
Additionally, a generator switch has been installed at the Y so the facility can be used under generator power as a temporary shelter in emergencies. The township has purchased a large mobile generator that may be used at the Y or other township buildings based on the location of any power outage.
The mobile generator will also provide electricity for the electronic message board at the Y in a power outage. Testing on the switch will be completed early in the Fall.
According to Mayor Jim Loveys, the collaboration between the township and the Y is the result of the severe October storms in 2011 and 2012.
"The Y opened its doors to the community in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy and the two previous October storms, so it was a natural progression to recognize and formalize the Y's contribution to our residents," said the mayor.
Bill Lamia, CEO of the Randolph YMCA said that the Y acted as a warming and charging center, as well as a shower facility for approximately three weeks following Sandy, adding, "The Y was fortunate to have lost power for only two days."
The Y waived guest fees to allow community access to the entire facility, including family play time as well as critical services.
Word of the Y's generosity spread through the town and the Y served over 1,200 residents during Sandy; some came in for a quick warm shower and others stayed for several hours.
John Lovell, a 16 year veteran as Township Administrator, was instrumental in developing the partnership between the Y and the township.
Lovell retired from his position on April 1.
While the municipal complex served as a warming and charging facility during each storm, Lovell said that showering facilities are only available at the Y.
"With each successive storm, we learned new lessons; we realized that the community needed more sheltering facilities and increased communications," said Lovell.
A review of the Emergency Management Plan indicated that electronic message boards would facilitate communications to the community.
This review resulted in the installation of four electronic message boards at key locations in the township: the Municipal Complex on Millbrook Road, the library/community center on Calais Road, the Maintenance Facility on Sussex Turnpike and the Randolph YMCA on Dover Chester Road.
The four locations will also serve as temporary shelters in the event of an emergency since each facility is also equipped with a generator or the ability to install a mobile generator.
The expenses for the Y's electronic message board were paid from the Y's capital budget; Randolph Township paid for the three signs and generators on municipal property, as well as the expenses for the portable generator and the installation of the exterior generator switch and connection at the Y.
“While the township does not permit electronic message signs for commercial purposes, it became evident to the township leadership that having such a medium in place for resident communication in emergencies was a critical need” said current Township Manager Steve Mountain.
The township has also initiated a reverse 911 system for use in true emergencies such as severe weather or water main breaks. Residents are encouraged to register for SwiftReach through the township's website at www.randolphnj.org.
"SwiftReach allows residents to receive text, email and/or cell phone messages for notifications such as road closures, leaf collection dates, etc.," said Bill Wagner, Office of Emergency Management Coordinator. Adding, "We can distribute a SwiftReach message to the entire community in under 5 minutes."
The message boards will also display these public messages. The message board at the Y will also be used to promote Y programs. During non-emergencies, messages will display from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
In the worst of Superstorm Sandy, 90 percent of Randolph was without power, some for a few days and others for several weeks. However, the township was able to provide warmth and electronics charging with an emergency generator at the Municipal Complex, as well as food, water and ice.
Seniors and chronically ill people were able to use and maintain their electric medical devices at the Municipal Complex, which provided a vital service to the community. For example, a resident with Cystic Fibrosis was able to receive his three times per day treatments at the Municipal Complex.
"The township has had a valued relationship with the Y for the past several years and appreciates that the Y has stepped up for our residents during times of emergency," said Loveys.
"We will do whatever it takes to ensure the community's comfort and safety," said Lamia.
"Thanks to Bill Lamia and all those at the Randolph YMCA for sharing in this initiative and aiding our Office of Emergency Management with those preparations that help make Randolph a safer community in which to live," concluded the Mayor.
The Randolph YMCA is celebrating 35 years at its current location on Dover Chester Road and continues its mission as a charitable non-profit organization, dedicated to the development of mind, body and spirit. The Y provides physical, educational and social programs and services which meet the needs of the community in a manner which is both fiscally and socially responsible.
