Nutley Storm Damage: Branch Hits Child, Wires Ripped From Homes

NUTLEY, NJ — Several Nutley residents suffered property damage and reported that power lines near their homes were ripped down during last week’s storm. In addition, an 11-year-old child was hit on the head by a falling branch, police said.

Nutley was among several Essex County towns hit hard by last Wednesday’s storm and its heavy, wet snow, which left roads treacherous and wires down all over the township. According to the Nutley Fire Department, Engine 3 saw up to 25 calls on Wednesday, one of which involved a downed power line.

“We tried to wait out the snow, but with fallen tree limbs, downed power lines and no electricity at Washington and Spring Garden, we had to make the decision to close,” Nutley Public School District officials wrote.

• See related article: Storm Hits Nutley Hard (Schools Without Power, Downed Wires)

Nutley police gave a report of the damage a few days after the storm:

3/7/18

• Property Damage – Yantacaw Place – Upon arrival the homeowner stated that a tree in their backyard had fallen causing damage to the gutter and minimal damage to the roof. Nothing further.
• Tree Limbs Down – 2 on High Street, Knox Place - A Township tree limb came down and fell on a vehicle causing damage to the rear right tail light. Town shade tree was notified of the tree limb. At another location on High Street, a tree located adjacent to the home had a large tree limb fall on the front side of the home. No one was injured or required medical attention. The homeowner was advised that since the tree was located on their property it was their responsibility. On Knox Place an 11-year-old was struck on the head from a tree limb that fell. Nutley Fire and EMS responded and evaluated the juvenile and the parent refused further medical attention and signed accordingly. Shade Tree responded and removed the tree limb from the roadway.
• Property Damage – Cottage Place – Officers responded to the area regarding damage done to a vehicle from a downed tree. Observed was a large tree originally on the property of Nichols Park collapsed onto the property. A branch from the tree caused what seemed to be minor damage to the passenger side of the homeowner’s vehicle. Shade Tree was advised and would be responding to remove the tree from the property.
• Property Damage – Satterthwaite Avenue – Response was made to the area regarding a large branch that had broken off. The branch had taken down multiple cable wires and was leaning onto a power line causing it to pull down towards the ground. PSE&G was notified of the tree limb resting on the power line and stated they would respond to the location. The tree branch was also resting on the side of a vehicle and the driver wanted it documented in the event damage was caused by the tree limb.
• Property Damage – Kenzel Avenue - The homeowner reported to Police that a large tree limb fell on the roof of their home damaging the roof and also causing damage to their vehicle that was parked in their driveway. It was also noted that the damage was reported to the victim’s insurance company.

3/8/18

• Wire Down – Centre Street – Nutley Fire and Police Officers responded to the area regarding a live downed electrical wire that damaged the weather-head of the home it was originally attached to and was lying across the roadway. There was also a cable or telephone wire that was ripped from the home. Officers fixated caution tape around the area of the wire and temporarily diverted traffic away from the area.
• Property Damage – Hillside Avenue – Response was made to the area on a report of property damage. The victim stated that a tree branch fell on their vehicle while it was parked in the parking lot located on the northeast side of the lot. Officers observed a tree branch laying over the rear driver’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle did not appear to have any significant body damage other than possible paint scratches. The tree was determined to be a private tree on the property and the management company was advised of the incident and will respond for removal and repairs. Nothing further.
• Property Damage – Shephard Place – Headquarters received a walk in report of property damage. The victim stated that a tree branch fell off a Township tree located in front of their house on the curbside. The branch caused damage, a dent, to the driver’s side fender.

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