After one night in the dark for many Howell residents  following Hurricane Sandy the Howell Police Department announced on Wednesday several steps being taken to help those in need as the repair work continues. 

Detective Sgt. Eileen Dodd of the Howell Police Department said anyone seeking shelter should contact the department at their non-emergency number, which is 732-938-4111.

Dodd also said information on other things like food, water, gas and other general matters can be found on the department's Facebook page. She said water stations are currently being set up and will be announced shortly. "The water will be provided from newly purchased garden hoses and residents will be required to bring their own containers," she said. 

For residents looking for gasoline for their cars or generators Dodd said there is availability at a rest station on the Garden State Parkway though there are reports of long lines at any and all open stations. All gas stations in the township are without power including the Lukoil on Route 9, which has a fallen tree very close to one of the pumping stations. 

In accordance with an executive order signed by Gov. Chris Christie Halloween has been postponed until Monday because of the dangerous conditions following the storm. 

While there is no travel ban in the township Dodd said motorists are encouraged to stay off the roads. For those that must travel Dodd said all traffic signals in town are not functioning so intersections are being blocked off. The only chance to turn around on the road is at Aldrich Road or at 195. If you travel in this area, expect long delays," Dodd said. 

Dodd also said that a county-wide curfew has also been issued and is effective again tonight from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. The Howell Public Schools and Freehold Regional High School District Schools are also closed on Thursday and the Howell library will be closed on Thursday and Friday.