Rate Parsippany's Response to Sandy

How do you think the township is doing?

It's been about two weeks since Hurricane Sandy came ashore to wreak havoc on the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and the tri-state area as a whole. Now, the town continues to dig out of the debris to clear trees from homes and roads, and restore power to residents. But how do you think the township has done so far? Mayor James Barberio tells Patch that he's spent the better part of the storm on the road helping residents, witnessing the hard work of town crews and communicating with Jersey Central Power and Light to have electricity restored as quickly as possible. Has it worked? Take our poll, and tell us in the comments if you think the township has been doing a good job in its emergency response.

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Hurricane Sandy: Get Ready Before 'Frankenstorm' Arrives

Emergency management tips, advice and storm prep help from local police.

Hurricane Sandy is not expected to make landfall until Monday, but it could hit New Jersey as early as late Sunday night. If you are lucky enough to have the means to prepare in advance, emergency management officials recommend that you do what it takes as soon as you can to get ready before the storm arrives. The first thing, officials say, is to have an emergency preparedness kit on hand. A few easily obtainable items (for most people) can make all the difference in the aftermath of a severe storm. Families should consider what is unique to their situation and adjust their kits accordingly. Do you have pets? A baby still on formula? Anyone in the family taking medication? Make sure to plan for that and add the necessary items to your kit…

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Survivor: Without Fire Plan, 'I Would Have Lost My Animals'

The owner of the Lake Drive home that burned Monday says the damage was worse than expected.

Andrea Antonelli-Rella is still reeling a bit after her home at 13 Lake Drive was hit Monday night by what preliminary fire reports show was a chimney fire. At the same time, the veterinarian says she feels fortunate because she and her husband were not hurt, and neither were her pets. And she is convinced that all are well because the Rellas followed an emergency plan. "My husband is a police officer in Maplewood, so he is the man with the plan," she said. "He says to always have an idea [of what to do] when your house catches fire." Apparently, Nick Rella had a plan and it worked. His wife said they were able to get themselves plus a combination of parrots and macaws totalliing six birds and three German shepherds out of the burning …

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Remembering 9/11 - 10 Year Anniversary

VIDEO: Mayor's Message on 10th Anniversary of 9/11

A decade after the terrorist attacks, Parsippany's chief executive has a message for citizens.

On a day that means so much to so many, Mayor James Barberio reminds Parsippany that this town is protected, safe and prepared.

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