Verona and Cedar Grove are more prepared for storms since Hurricane Irene and the freak October snowstorm that ravaged trees throughout the state.

Now, Hurricane Sandy, the "Frankenstorm," is threatening the area with power outages.

"Clearly, a storm like Hurricane Sandy has the potential to interrupt service," said PSE&G in a written statement.

"High winds might cause trees to brush up against power lines, and lightning could strike and damage trees or pole-top equipment," they added. "There also is the potential for trees to be uprooted."

PSE&G is preparing for the storm by arranging for contractors and tree crew assistance, ensuring that additional supplies, such as poles, transformers and other pole-top equipment, are on hand, and coordinating with county OEMs to keep them updated on outages and restoration efforts.

The township of Verona is now using the Nixle system to provide residents with immediate updates on what is going on in case of an emergency situation.

They have also equipped police cars with solar panels for battery backup and set up communications between township departments. They are prepared for emergencies, officials say. 

Cedar Grove is also prepared to handle power outages and officials have said they plan to purchase a backup generator for the senior complex in case of any power outages. 

Cedar Grove Fire Chief Michael Tower said their main concern during storms is high winds knocking tree branches onto power lines, causing fires or power outages. The Department is on their guard during storms and ready to handle these types of situations.

Following a recent power outage PSEG sent an automated message to customers apologizing for the inconvenience. “PSEG continues to upgrade our equipment to ensure reliable electric service,” they said.

“Our crews work to restore power to the largest numbers of customers first...” they say on their website. “taking into account 'priority customers' such as hospitals, police and fire stations, water and sewer facilities, communications facilities and customers on life-sustaining medical equipment.”

If you lose power during a storm -- don't panic! Patch has you covered. PSE&G has issued the following checklist to rundown if your electricity goes out. 

• If you lose power, first check your fuse and/or circuit breaker box and main breaker if appropriate. If that is not the problem, and your neighbors also have no power, call PSE&G at 1 (800) 436 7734.
• If your fuse or breakers are in a flooded area, do not go near them until the water recedes or is removed.
• Always stay away from fallen power lines, and always assume they are energized. Notify us at 1 (800) 436-7734 if you notice wires are down in your area.
• Know how to open your garage door without the electric opener. 
• Remember, electric well and sump pumps will not operate. 
• Unplug all motor-driven appliances like refrigerators and freezers and sensitive electronic equipment (such as TVs, microwaves and computers) to prevent a possible electrical overload when power is restored. 
• Leave one light switch on to indicate when power is restored.

If there is an emergency, such as downed wire that is live, call 9-1-1.

All non-emergency calls about power outages should be directed to PSE&G.

Due to the possible severity of the story and volume of calls, residents are advised that response times from PSE&G may not be immediate.