Hoboken OEM issues weekend traffic alert
Due to construction, on Saturday, April 22, 2023, Willow Avenue will be closed in both directions between Observer Highway and Newark Street. Repairs to an 8-inch water main are scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. Some neighboring buildings may see water service impacted. All traffic, including NJ Transit buses, will be re-routed during construction. Please avoid the area if possible.
Follow @HobokenOEM on Twitter for real time updates and other ongoing emergency management information.
Hoboken Police Department to participate in national take back day
This Saturday, April 22, 2023, is the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The Hoboken Police Department is participating by setting up a drop-box at Police Headquarters, located at 106 Hudson St. All residents are encouraged to take advantage of the program to clean out their medicine cabinets and properly dispose of any unused prescription drug via the convenient, safe, and anonymous drop-box.
Learn more about the program at www.DEAtakeback.com and by following the Hoboken Police Department on Twitter at: @HobokenPolice.
You can also learn more about the Hoboken Police Department, read current news updates, and find weekly arrest blotters at www.hobokenpdnj.gov.
Hoboken Fire Department offers best practices for lithium-ion batteries
As e-bicycles and e-scooters become more popular across the state and nation, the Hoboken Public Safety Department and the Hoboken Fire Department are looking to better educate the public on how to best use these devices and safely charge the lithium-ion batteries that power them.
Hoboken Fire Marshal Captain Steven DiVincent says many of the risks related to lithium-ion batteries are preventable, with education and awareness. He encourages those in the market for an e-bike or e-scooter buy only those that are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. When charging, residents should only use the battery, power adapter, and power cord supplied with the device, or a manufacturer-recommended replacement. Lithium-ion batteries and chargers that are not designed to work
with the product can overcharge, overheat, and catch fire.
DiVincent also reminds users to plug the e-bike directly into an electrical wall outlet when charging, and never charge a device with an extension cord or power strip, which can overheat and cause a fire. If possible, residents should not charge their e-bike or e-scooter inside their apartment, and never charge them overnight, or when they are not home. Devices should not be charged near anything combustible including their bed, couch, and curtains.
Residents should stop using their electric device and call 9-1-1 or Hoboken Fire Dispatch at 201-420-2007 immediately if they notice the following:
- Fire or Smoke
- Battery overheating
- Change in battery shape or color
- Battery leaking
- Strange battery smell
- Battery making odd noises
When lithium-ion batteries fail or overheat they release toxic gases that can spark a fast-spreading fire that is difficult to extinguish. In the event of a fire, residents should make sure they have a way out of their home and close all doors behind them when evacuating. Closed doors will help contain smoke and fire to the room/apartment and keep public hallways clear long enough to allow others to get out, and firefighters to get in.
Please be advised that many other common devices, including smart phones, laptops, cameras, portable chargers and certain medical equipment also use lithium-ion batteries. Users of those items should be extra cautious when charging and follow similar guidelines to stay fire safe.
To learn more about the Hoboken Fire Department, go to
http://www.hobokennj.gov/departments/hoboken-fire-department or follow the department on Twitter at
@HobokenFire.
Hoboken EMS offers lifesaving classes
The Hoboken EMS and Volunteer Ambulance Corps (HVAC) offers regular Cardiopulmonary (CPR) and Basic Life Support (BLS) courses. Classes include "Family and Friends CPR," which is ideal for community groups, new parents, grandparents, and others who are interested in learning how to save a life. The "BLS for Healthcare Providers" class is designed for healthcare professionals and required for anyone interested in becoming a member of HVAC. This class includes training in CPR, AED, and other healthcare specific skills.
To get more information on class dates and times, register for a class, and learn about volunteering with HVAC, go to
HobokenEMS.com. Follow the Hoboken EMS and Volunteer Ambulance Corps on Twitter at
@Hoboken_EMS.
