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Acupuncture in Monmouth, NJ
It's hard to deny that we live in a world where health issues seem to be increasingly common. From allergies that baffle doctors to chronic pain that never seems to go away, it's no secret that many individuals struggle to maintain good health. Respiratory issues, reproductive complications, and other conditions add to the mix, making it clear that we're all susceptible to some kind of malady.
Unfortunately, many modern doctors still believe that throwing pills at the problem or scheduling surgery is the best way to provide long-term relief. While certain serious conditions can warrant such extreme treatments, a large percentage of Americans are looking for something far less harmful and much more holistic. They're looking high and low for a reliable, well-studied solution that doesn't require time off work or sketchy pain medications.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, one of the most effective and exciting treatments we've seen work for such patients is acupuncture in Monmouth, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
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If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:
- Digestion
- Hormones
- Breathing
- Muscles
- Nerves & Brain
- Sex & Libido
- Body Circulation
- Organs & Heart
In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.
Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in Monmouth, NJ
Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.
These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.
In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.
Is Acupuncture in Monmouth, NJ Actually Legit?
One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.
Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Post-Stroke Aphasia
- Muscle Pain
- Lactation Issues
- Lower Back Pain
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Vascular Dementia
- More
Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness?
When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.
Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.
Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.
How Many Treatments Until Acupuncture Works?
This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.
During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.
Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.
What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in Monmouth, NJ?
There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.
Relief from Chronic Pain
Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.
That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.
When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.
Migraine Headache Relief
If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in Monmouth, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.
A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.
The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.
Improved Sleep
For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.
A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.
Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.
Better Recovery from Surgery
While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.
The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture
Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.
The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.
Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.
To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in Monmouth, NJ, including the following:
- Increased Range of Motion
- More Effective Long-Term Pain Relief
- Enhanced Tissue Repair & Healing
- Better Response to Physical Therapy Due to Pain Reduction
- Less of a Need for Pain Medications
- Boosted Mood & Energy
- Better Quality of Life Overall
You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.
Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.
It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:
- Professional Athletes
- Football Players
- Soccer Players
- Baseball Players
- Construction Workers
- Landscapers
- Accountants and People Working Office Jobs
- Public Officials
- Police Officers
- More
Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness
At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture in Monmouth, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.
What are the Benefits of Using Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care?
Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.
Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?
When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:
- Sports Injuries
- Headaches
- Sciatica
- Lower Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Insomnia
- Chronic Conditions Like Diabetes
- More
Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.
The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in Monmouth, NJ
New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.
732-526-2497
Latest News in Monmouth, NJ
County Teams Up with First Tee to Empower Kids Through Golf
TAPinto.nethttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/belmar-slash-lake-como/sections/monmouth-county-news/articles/county-teams-up-with-first-tee-to-empower-kids-through-golf
The County has collaborated with First Tee to establish youth golf programs at Bel-Aire Golf Course in Wall.Photo Credit: Courtesy of First Tee — Jersey Shore By Jack SlocumPublishedOctober 3, 2023 at 3:30 PMWALL TOWNSHIP, NJ — County Commissioners, the Monmouth County Parks System, and First Tee: Jersey Shore have all teamed up to begin hosting golf programs for local kids. The programs will be hosted at the Bel-Aire Golf Course in Wall Town...
The County has collaborated with First Tee to establish youth golf programs at Bel-Aire Golf Course in Wall.Photo Credit: Courtesy of First Tee — Jersey Shore
By Jack Slocum
PublishedOctober 3, 2023 at 3:30 PM
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ — County Commissioners, the Monmouth County Parks System, and First Tee: Jersey Shore have all teamed up to begin hosting golf programs for local kids. The programs will be hosted at the Bel-Aire Golf Course in Wall Township.
First Tee is a youth development program that uses golf “as a learning tool to enable kids to build strength of character that helps empower them through a lifetime of new challenges.” The instructors not only teach participants how to golf, but also show kids conflict resolution, creating and accomplishing goals, managing emotions, and more.
“Our County Park System is honored to host First Tee – Jersey Shore programs,” said Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, liaison to the Monmouth County Park System. “We hope that the First Tee participants enjoy their experience on the course and come back to play on it for years to come.”
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According to First Tee, golf popularity has increased by 25 percent since the pandemic, and the program was forced to accommodate the increase in sign-ups. The waitlist for First Tee’s programs reaches over 150 students, and with the Bel-Aire Golf Course becoming available, more slots are available.
“First Tee – Jersey Shore needed a location to support the growing interest of kids and teens in golf,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “The Board is happy to partner with this remarkable organization to provide a beautiful and safe location to learn the game at one of our award-winning golf courses.”
Tara Kelly, Executive Director of First Tee, added — "As a small nonprofit working to provide access and opportunity to First Tee for as many Monmouth County families as possible, we are grateful for the support of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and the Monmouth County Park System. First Tee coaches are so thrilled to be welcomed into the wonderful golf learning spaces at Bel-Aire Golf Course this fall.”
To learn more about First Tee, visit its website here.
Editor's Note: This advertorial content is being published by TAPinto.net as a service for its marketing partners. For more information about how to market your business on TAPinto, please email contact@tapinto.net.
Red Bank Planning Board Approves Height Restriction Along Waterfront
E. SCOTT WINGERTERhttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/red-bank/sections/government/articles/red-bank-planning-board-approves-height-restriction-along-waterfront
RED BANK, NJ: The Planning Board held a short and concise meeting approving the recommendation of the borough Council, an ordinance to restrict the height development in the towns Waterfront Development Zone.Highlights of the MeetingWaterfront Development Zone (WDZ) Height ChangeSign Up for FREE Red Bank NewsletterGet local news you can trust in your inbox.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google ...
RED BANK, NJ: The Planning Board held a short and concise meeting approving the recommendation of the borough Council, an ordinance to restrict the height development in the towns Waterfront Development Zone.
Highlights of the Meeting
Waterfront Development Zone (WDZ) Height Change
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The Board approved an ordinance to change the WDZ building height requirements.
Shawana Ebanks, Director of Community Development for the borough’s Planning and Zoning departments, testified that, “… the reason that (the present regulation), is confusing, is that because the metric that they used is outdated.”
The Planning Board approved to amend the original height requirements to, “50 feet or five stories, as measured from average grade.”
Under the present ordinance the allowable building heights could range from approximately 65 feet to 45 feet.
Shade Trees
At the recommendation of the Shade Tree Committee, the Board approved an ordinance that real estate developers be assessed a fee of $1,000 (up from the current $500 fee), for every tree that they don’t plant.
Rather than pay the Shade Tree Commission, “It’s more to influence” developers to plant trees, said Ebanks.
Red Bank Trees
To see a map of Red Bank’s tree inventory, click HERE.
27 Locust Avenue
The Board approved a resolution to subdivide the 75-foot property into two new lots. The existing house would remain and the new building lot for future development.
Video
To watch the video of the meeting, courtesy of Suzanne Viscomi, click HERE.
Agenda
To read the entire Planning Board agenda, click HERE.
The Planning Board meeting scheduled for October 16 has been cancelled.
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Local Food The Star Of Allaire Community Farm Fundraiser, Wall
Pat McDanielhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/wall/local-food-stars-allaire-community-farm-fundraiser-wall
Major Farm to Table fundraiser for Allaire Community Farm in Wall helps support organization's multi-faceted mission. Posted Tue, Oct 3, 2023 at 2:19 pm ET|WALL, NJ — A "Farm to Table" fundraiser for Allaire Community Farm recently hosted 175 guests, supporting the organization that serves many special needs in the community.And, being held on the farm, the seven-course, small-plate dinner saw a series of specialties prepared with the farm's harvest by executive chefs and caterers ...
Major Farm to Table fundraiser for Allaire Community Farm in Wall helps support organization's multi-faceted mission.
Posted Tue, Oct 3, 2023 at 2:19 pm ET|
WALL, NJ — A "Farm to Table" fundraiser for Allaire Community Farm recently hosted 175 guests, supporting the organization that serves many special needs in the community.
And, being held on the farm, the seven-course, small-plate dinner saw a series of specialties prepared with the farm's harvest by executive chefs and caterers Joe Leone and Merri-Makers' Rick Bott and Jack McCann.
"All the vegetables were produced on the farm," said JoAnn Burney, who, with husband Sean, founded Allaire Community Farm. She added that more than 85 percent of the evening's meal was created with ingredients grown at the farm.
Allaire Community Farm has three pillars for its mission, Burney said: rescuing animals; helping special needs young adults and teens with mental health issues; and helping veterans with PTSD.
You can learn about all the farm's programs at its website, including about a petting zoo, agricultural training programs, a carriage riding program for veterans and more.
Find out what's happening in Wallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The main event sponsors were Fran and Paul Turner of Oceanport, whom Burney said are known for their support of nonprofits in the county.
"We had over 14 sponsors made up of businesses around Monmouth County," she added.
Tickets for the event were $200 each, and the event is so popular they were sold out in three days, Burney said.
And she estimated proceeds from the event to be $45,000.
The event took place in the sparking pavilion at Allaire Community Farm, and Burney said it was a fun evening with lots of interaction with the chefs.
There were three appetizers, for example, and "Joe Leone would give the guests a little history of the origin of the dish," Burney said, talking about how a dish might have developed in Italy, for example.
It all added to the festive and flavorful evening.
The guests were served such specialties as corn fritters, seared tuna, and an eggplant vegetarian dish. Dessert was pumpkin pudding and homemade cookies.
So lots of farm vegetables were put to good use for the menu, Burney noted.
The working farm is a resource in many way for the community.
For example, various initiatives include training for young adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, holiday events and more to connect the community with mental health services.
It has a large, high-tech greenhouse to the facility as part of a program to train IDD young adults in agriculture.
The farm is the site of a Mental Health Awareness Day event that links the community to many mental health resources.
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Ocean, NJ, Beer from Kane Brewing is Highest-Rated Beer in New Jersey
Mike Gillhttps://mybeachradio.com/ixp/399/p/ocean-nj-beer-from-kane-brewing-is-highest-rated-beer-in-new-jersey/
When it comes to craft beer, New Jersey has some tremendous breweries that you need to check out.I recently did the Cape May County brewery scene, visiting six different breweries from Ludlham, Slack Tide, Bucket Brigade, COHO, Behr, and Cape May Brewing on a recent Saturday.I recently spent the day in Hammonton and checked out Three 3's, Vinyl, and Chimney. Over in Somers Point, I was at SoPo and there are plenty of other great spots in Atlantic County to check out.But what is the highest-rated beer in New Jersey? While...
When it comes to craft beer, New Jersey has some tremendous breweries that you need to check out.
I recently did the Cape May County brewery scene, visiting six different breweries from Ludlham, Slack Tide, Bucket Brigade, COHO, Behr, and Cape May Brewing on a recent Saturday.
I recently spent the day in Hammonton and checked out Three 3's, Vinyl, and Chimney. Over in Somers Point, I was at SoPo and there are plenty of other great spots in Atlantic County to check out.
But what is the highest-rated beer in New Jersey? While its not in Atlantic or Cape May County, it is not to far for you to take a drive and try!
According to the website Beer Advocate, the highest-rated in the New Jersey comes from Kane Brewing Company, called Sunday Brunch, which is a Imperial Milk Porter with Rock Coffee, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
Sunday Brunch is brewed with maple syrup, cinnamon, Rook Coffee, and lactose. It is brewed with a blend of pilsner malt and English crystal and roasted malts. Sunday Brunch pours a black color with light coffee foam. Aromatics are of freshly roasted coffee and maple-drenched french toast. Sunday Brunch drinks are smooth with a rounded body and intertwined notes of coffee, maple, and cinnamon.
Over at one of my favorite beer app, Untapped, the beer is rated a 4.42 out of five stars by almost 12,000 reviewers.
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It has a 9.2% ABV and is one of many solid beers at Kane Brewing which is located at 1750 Bloomsbury Ave in Ocean up in Monmouth county. It is close enough for our listeners to take a drive and check it out, about 65.2 miles away from out Northfield studios.
Kane brewing has some other pretty highly rated beers, including Head High, Overhead, Sneakbox, which just won a bronze medal at the great American Beer Festival, Party Wave, Morning Bell, SBX and more that are highly rated beers on the Untapped App.
Over in Delaware, the high-rated beer was from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, called Utopias Barrel-Aged World Wide Stout, which is a American Imperial Stout with a 17.3 ABV.
JCP&L Conducts Annual Storm Restoration Exercise to Prepare for Winter Storm Season
Chris Hoenighttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/hazlet-and-keyport/columns/jcp-and-l-in-the-community/articles/jcp-l-conducts-annual-storm-restoration-exercise-to-prepare-for-winter-storm-season
Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has completed its annual emergency preparation drill focused on testing its storm restoration process in the event severe weather causes outages throughout its 13-county service area this winter season.Approximately 55 JCP&L employees from the Operations, Engineering, Safety, Logistics, Communications, External Affairs, Customer Support, Facilities, Corporate Support, and Planning and Analysis groups participated in the emergency preparedness...
Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has completed its annual emergency preparation drill focused on testing its storm restoration process in the event severe weather causes outages throughout its 13-county service area this winter season.
Approximately 55 JCP&L employees from the Operations, Engineering, Safety, Logistics, Communications, External Affairs, Customer Support, Facilities, Corporate Support, and Planning and Analysis groups participated in the emergency preparedness exercise, which was observed by representatives of New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU). After two years of virtual drills due to COVID-19, the exercise was held in-person at the company's Holmdel office.
"There is no such thing as being overprepared for the curveballs Mother Nature can throw our way," said Jim Fakult, president of JCP&L. "While our crews have had plenty of practice already this year with smaller storm responses, regular emergency drills are another way we work to improve electric service for our customers, in addition to tree trimming and projects that harden our electric infrastructure and enhance its resiliency."
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The drill's hypothetical scenario focused on "Winter Storm April," a potent system that dropped more than 2 feet of snow in several areas of JCP&L's service territory over two days. Widespread wind gusts exceeded 50 miles per hour. The drill's severe weather toppled trees and damaged power lines, knocking out electricity to more than 75% of JCP&L's customers. In the exercise, plows could not keep pace with the accumulating snow, leaving numerous roads impassable and slowing crews in their efforts to access damage and make repairs.
During the training, JCP&L activated its Incident Command System (ICS). ICS is a nationally recognized and accepted emergency management structure used by all levels of government, as well as by many non-governmental and private sector organizations, such as JCP&L, to improve coordination and collaboration during major storms or other natural disasters.
As part of the collaboration with local governments, JCP&L officials have met with representatives of the offices of emergency management in the counties that make up the company's 1.1-milllion customer service area.
In the aftermath of a major weather event, JCP&L crews follow a formal restoration process and typically address outages that restore the largest number of customers before moving to more isolated problems. They generally prioritize hospitals and other critical medical facilities, communications facilities and emergency response agencies. After that, crews work to restore power as quickly as possible to the rest of the customers.
"Our teams are always at the ready and follow a prescribed process when storms are in the forecast," said Fakult. "Preparation is important for us, and as the winter season nears, our customers should start to make sure their families are prepared as well."
For more information about FirstEnergy's storm restoration process and tips for staying safe, visit the 24/7 Power Center at www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.
JCP&L, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., is an electric distribution company serving 1.1 million customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren. Follow JCP&L on Twitter @JCP_L, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JCPandL or online at www.jcp-l.com.
The opinions expressed herein are the writer's alone, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TAPinto.net or anyone who works for TAPinto.net. TAPinto.net is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by the writer. Click here to submit a Column.
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