Irene: Quiet So Far at Parsippany's Evacuation Staging Center

As Irene pours rain down on Parsippany-Troy Hills, the township's Evacuation Staging Center is ready to help residents should the need arise.

The center, housed at Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, is not a shelter. According to Parsippany Police spokesperson Ptlm. Earl Kinsey, it is a transitional spot for residents who lose power or need assistance, a sort of waystation before they head to an actual shelter.

"We're providing medical support and staffing for the [center] for potential evacuees during the storm," said Dean Snook of Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services. "We'll be here throughout the night and, depending on the strength of the storm, potentially into tomorrow or later, if the need exists. Shifts will start to rotate at that point."

Par-Troy EMS is but one group staffing the center. Also here are representatives of the Community Emergency Response Team, the township's Office of Emergency Management (which is running the show), township staff and even volunteers from the community.

"I just wanted to do my part," said concerned Lake Hiawatha resident Paola Giraldo.

OEM Coordinator Eric Hubner said that while the center is open to help any Parsippany resident in need, no official evacuation is underway at this time.

"This isn't a shelter," he said. "We have a few cots here, but really, we don't have the space here for sleeping."

If kids come, there are activities to keep them occupied. Barbara Ievoli, the town's director of human services, brought in coloring books and similar items for youngsters. 

The staging center—actually Lake Hiawatha School's gymnasium—contains tables with attached seats, and snacks, water and juice are on hand.

So far, however, it appears residents are heeding warnings from the police, Mayor James Barberio and Gov. Chris Christie and staying at home.

Of course, the night is young still, and for New Jersey, at least, so is Irene.

"It's going to be a long night," said Hubner. "This is just getting started."

If and when an evacuation becomes official or authorities decide to open shelters, Patch will keep you informed.