A snow storm with the imposing name of Hercules is headed our way, and with it the prospect of downed trees and power outages. During Hurricane Sandy, MyVeronaNJ.com used Google Maps to track power problems, but we’ve found something better this time: A nifty free tool called SeeClickFix.com that will let you report all sorts of non-emergency problems related to the snow.
You can use it from your computer or, if we lose power, from your smartphone. From your computer, click on this page and use the orange “Report an issue” button in the upper right. You can also use the storm widget that we’ve put on MyVeronaNJ.com’s home page and story pages. To use the service from a phone, simply go to SeeClickFix.com and download the appropriate app. SeeClickFix.com works on iPhones, Androids and even Blackberrys. There is no charge to download the app, but your carrier may have message or data fees for usage.
Once a problem is reported to SeeClickFix, it will show up on the map for Verona and yes, you can report a problem anonymously.
Please note: SeeClickFix is meant for non-emergency problems only. Do not use it to report anything that you would normally call 911 about. And while MyVeronaNJ.com intends to make Verona officials, PSE&G and others aware of our SeeClickFix site, we cannot guarantee that they will use it to address issues in Verona.
If you prefer to call the Verona Public Works Department about a non-emergency problem during the storm, you can call 973-857-4804. To report a power outage to PSE&G, call 800-436-PSEG (7734). PSE&G has a Storm Center page here, which has generalized information on power outages.
Again, do not use SeeClickFix for emergency calls. If you have not done so already, you may also want to register for Nixle, the alerting service that the Verona Police Department uses. You can also simply text Verona’s zip code, 07044, to the number 888777 to receive the Nixle alerts on your cell phone.
And please remember, when you are shoveling, to shovel out any fire hydrants nearby. It will make things a whole lot easier for the Verona Fire Department.
