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Water Damage Restoration in Newark, NJ

Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.

Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Newark, NJ is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.

Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Newark. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.

Disaster Review

What Our Clients Are Saying

Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:

insurance claim process
Navigating the insurance claim process

We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.

quality completion
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion

We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.

You might also be thinking about:

safety and health

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

assessment

Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.

expenses

Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.

structural

Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.

Protecting

Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.

You might also be thinking
might also be thinking
Minimizing

Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.

trustworthy

Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.

Ensuring

Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.

updates

Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.

involved

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

At Disaster Response

At Disaster Response, It's All About You

Like Newark Makerhoods at the KruegerScott Mansion in Newark, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Newark.

Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.

We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.

The Disaster Response Difference

number-one

Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes

In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.

number-two

Insurance Advocacy

Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

number-three

Satisfaction Guaranteed

We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.

Disaster-Response Difference
Guide-Water-Damage.png

Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Newark, NJ

Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.

As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Somerford House Place Newark in Newark for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.

What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Newark, NJ, Different from Others?

One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Newark?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.

But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:

Investing-damage

Cost

Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.

specialized training

Technicians

Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to

disasters happen quicker

Time

Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Weequahic Park in Newark. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.

significant investments

Tools

Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.

helping with water damage

Process

For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.

Reliable Water Damage

Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network

We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.

What Does Disaster Response Fix?

As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Newark, NJ, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.

  • Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
  • Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
  • Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
  • Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to New Jersey Historical Society in Newark, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response Fix

Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.

What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?

We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Newark restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:

Infrared

Infrared Cameras

Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.

Moisture

Moisture Meters

We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.

Air Movers

Air Movers

This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.

Generators

Ozone Generators

These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.

Xtractor

Xtreme Xtractor

This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.

Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About

Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Newark, NJ, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:

Clean Water Damage

Clean Water Damage

Clean

This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.

Gray Water Damage

Gray Water Damage

Gray-Water

Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.

Black Water Damage

Black Water Damage

Black-Water

The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.

If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:

Stop the Source of Water
  • Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
  • Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
  • Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.

Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Newark, NJ

Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.

We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.

After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.

Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.

  • Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
  • Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
  • Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
  • Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
Disaster Response Fix

The Water Damage Company in Newark, NJ, You Can Trust

When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Fornos of Spain in Newark. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.

As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.

Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Newark rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.

Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!

Latest News in Newark, NJ

Halloween Special: New Jersey’s ‘Most Haunted’ Places of 2024

NEW JERSEY — The Garden State apparently has plenty of haunted places. And it’s that time of year when folks seek out “the spooky,” to visit haunted venues, or tell ghost stories that set the mood for trick-or-treating.Our news sites have received a half-dozen media releases peddling spooky surveys and studies. We remain skeptical, but in the spirit of this Halloween season we kept track. Here’s a 2024 rundown of New Jersey’s most allegedly haunted sites:BASKIN...

NEW JERSEY — The Garden State apparently has plenty of haunted places. And it’s that time of year when folks seek out “the spooky,” to visit haunted venues, or tell ghost stories that set the mood for trick-or-treating.

Our news sites have received a half-dozen media releases peddling spooky surveys and studies. We remain skeptical, but in the spirit of this Halloween season we kept track. Here’s a 2024 rundown of New Jersey’s most allegedly haunted sites:

BASKING RIDGE – THE DEVIL’S TREEA scraggly oak tree at 181 Mountain Road in Basking Ridge is reportedly the scene of ghostly sightings. Thrillist has named it New Jersey’s #1 most haunted 2024 site. This half-dead oak tree stands in a lonely field, marred by ax marks and vandalism. Records show it may have been a 19th century meeting site for the Ku Klux Klan and the scene of several hangings in the 1800s.

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CAPE MAY – THE PHYSICK ESTATEThis 18-room Victorian-era mansion on Washington Street in Cape May is now a museum and reportedly home to restless spirits, including its 1879 builder Dr. Emlen Physick, who haunts its hallways, says Affordable Urns. This Australian website says the Physick Estate Museum is one of the Garden State’s most haunted places. Affordable Urns ranks New Jersey as America’s 4th most haunted state behind Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

CAPE MAY – THE SOUTHERN MANSIONWealthy Philadelphia industrialist George Allen built The Southern Mansion in 1863 at what is now 720 Washington Street in Cape May.Back then, it was the Allen family’s private country estate, and it stayed in the Allen family until 1946, when the last living relative, Ester Mercur, died at this property. Haunted Rooms America says several Allen family spirits haunt this mansion, including Ester, who makes her presence known with a strong perfume smell. Guests say they see Ester’s ghost dancing joyfully in its hallways. Guests in Room 14 also claim to hear disembodied conversations. In the ballroom and kitchen, a chef reportedly saw the ghost of a man in military uniform.

MIDDLETOWN – SEABROOK-WILSON HOUSEThe Seabrook Wilson House – at 119 Port Monmouth Road in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown – is better known as the historic Spy House tavern. Probably our state's most famous haunted venue, it was a Revolutionary War-era site of intrigue and espionage. Forbes Magazine lists it as our most haunted house for 2024, where witnesses hear unexplained weeping, see a mysterious woman’s apparition and a seafarer’s ghost.

MONTCLAIR – MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY Montclair State University annually ranks as one of America’s most haunted colleges. Unexplained paranormal events seem to happen most at Blanton Hall, a five-story Webster Road dormitory, and at Hawk Crossings, garden apartments on Clove Road, according to Only In Our State. Students report slamming doors and windows, mysteriously flickering lights, and eerie persistent cold spots that can't be explained.Dormitory students at Freeman Hall and Bohn Hall have, over the years, said they feel like they are being watched, see doors swing open, and sometimes hear disembodied voices.

WEST MILFORD – CLINTON ROADThe 10-mile Clinton Road in Passaic County's community of West Milford now ranks as the second most haunted highway “in the entire world,” according to a 2024 analysis from Sixt, a German global car rental company.For years, New Jerseyans claim to see phantom headlights, report spooky sounds, and have heard rumors about “Ghost Boy,” who supposedly haunts a bridge near a sharp curve in Clinton Road. Legends say anyone who stops near this bridge to toss coins in the water below will have a “Ghost Boy” throw those coins back at them, according to media reports.

WESTFIELD – THE ‘WATCHER’ HOUSEThis lovely million-dollar home at 657 Boulevard in Westfield is not haunted. Yet, it is considered as one of New Jersey's spooky sites. Once the center of a creepy New Jersey urban legend, previous owners claim they got troubling letters from “The Watcher,” a stalker, obsessed with this six-bedroom, three-bath home. It ended up driving them away.Bizarre tales about this house got national media attention and became the basis for a six-episode fictionalized TV miniseries about this Union County home. The house was resold in 2016, and subsequent owners have not had any strange happenings.

Inside Mosaic: Diwali celebrations, an honor for Newark’s Queen Latifah, and our latest food find

Mosaic is NJ.com’s news site dedicated to serving New Jersey’s diverse and underrepresented communities.Welcome to this week’s newsletter! Discover places to celebrate Diwali, explore a new food find, and join us in recognizing a Queen who received an impressive honor.Diwali, also known as “The Festival of Lights,” is an annual five-day f...

Mosaic is NJ.com’s news site dedicated to serving New Jersey’s diverse and underrepresented communities.

Welcome to this week’s newsletter! Discover places to celebrate Diwali, explore a new food find, and join us in recognizing a Queen who received an impressive honor.

Diwali, also known as “The Festival of Lights,” is an annual five-day festival focusing on the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Trending reporter Vashti Harris scoped out some upcoming events.

In her story, “Diwali is almost here. Check out these 7 upcoming N.J. events,” she tells us where to celebrate the holiday with dance performances, painting competitions, a Diya lighting ceremony and a lot of food!

Vashti also brought us news of Newark’s very own Queen Latifah, who President Joe Biden recently presented The National Medal of Arts — the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the federal government. Born Dana Elaine Owens in Newark, Queen Latifah rose to stardom after releasing her debut 1989 album “All Hail the Queen.” She was 19. Today, she stars in the “Equalizer” and promotes community programs with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

Columnist Karim Shamsi-Basha found another place to dine on a dime in his column, “Affordable Eats: This N.J. restaurant features the best of Thai cuisine.” In it, he introduces us to Aroy-D The Thai Elephant in Verona and its tasty Thai dishes, but ends with a surprise dessert. He said, “You can’t leave without indulging in Thai ice cream. I tried the pink elephant in honor of the restaurant. It had a vanilla base with graham crackers, strawberries and whipped cream.”

Well, folks, that’s all for this week. I’m off to eat some Thai ice cream. Stay tuned for more interesting stories from Mosaic and NJ.com.

Essential Reading from Mosaic

In case you missed it on NJ.com

Over at NJ.com, reporter Nyah Marshall fills us in on a mayor who is not so keen on celebrating Diwali. Her story, “No fireworks during Diwali, mayor tells one of N.J.’s largest Indian American communities,” should spark some controversy. Imagine the Fourth of July with no fireworks...

Reporter Karin Price Mueller’s story, “Early voting is starting in N.J. Where can I vote?” reminds us that we don’t have to wait until election day on Nov. 5. New Jersey is making it convenient for voters: in addition to weekday hours, polls will also be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Stay tuned for more captivating stories from the reporters at Mosaic and NJ.com.

Keep up with New Jersey’s diverse communities with the Mosaic newsletter, which provides the most popular stories from Mosaic of the past week. Click HERE to sign up.

Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom.

Empowering Newark Students Through School News Broadcasts

EducationFourth Graders at North Star Academy Deliver News As Part of DEI ProgramAs part of the North Star Academy Liberty Elementary School's diversity, equity and inclusion program, students participate in a weekly news show that is seen by every student at the school.As part of the North Star Academy Liberty Elementary School's diversity, equity and inclusion program, stude...

Education

Fourth Graders at North Star Academy Deliver News As Part of DEI Program

As part of the North Star Academy Liberty Elementary School's diversity, equity and inclusion program, students participate in a weekly news show that is seen by every student at the school.

As part of the North Star Academy Liberty Elementary School's diversity, equity and inclusion program, students participate in a weekly news show that is seen by every student at the school.Photo Credit: Courtesy of North Star Academy

As part of the North Star Academy Liberty Elementary School's diversity, equity and inclusion program, students participate in a weekly news show that is seen by every student at the school.Photo Credit: Courtesy of North Star Academy

As part of the North Star Academy Liberty Elementary School's diversity, equity and inclusion program, students participate in a weekly news show that is seen by every student at the school.Photo Credit: Courtesy of North Star Academy

As part of the North Star Academy Liberty Elementary School's diversity, equity and inclusion program, students participate in a weekly news show that is seen by every student at the school.Photo Credit: Courtesy of North Star Academy

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By TAPinto Staff Report

Published October 29, 2024 at 5:14 PM

As a fourth grader, Nia Freeman enjoyed being part of the morning school announcements broadcast to every classroom in her Atlanta School. Now, as a teacher at North Star Academy - Liberty Elementary School in Newark, Freeman wanted to give her students the same thrill of putting newscasts together.

As part of the school’s diversity, equity and inclusion program, Freeman launched a program that gives fourth grade students an opportunity to host a weekly news show that is seen by every student at the school.

“It was born out of all of our different ideas and desires for some type of student culture moment where the kids are leading and involved,” said Freeman, who is co-chair of the DEI committee in the school.

The topics covered include Hispanic History Month, Women's History Month, Black History Month, Pride Month as well as historical figures and weighty current events, such as the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Freeman said the typically 20-minute news show gives students an opportunity to engage directly in DEI topics.

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Freeman got the idea to use Zoom and stream the video to Smart Whiteboards in each kindergarten through fourth-grade classroom. The program started in 2021, by which time both teachers and students had grown accustomed to using Zoom because of the pandemic, she said.

Generally, six students are selected to participate in the program at one time. Over the course of the school year, as many as four groups will have an opportunity to rotate through the program.

Students are selected based on a variety of factors. Since Hispanic Heritage Month is during September and October, several students whose families were from Spanish-speaking countries were selected “so they could also share a little bit of their culture as well,” Freeman said.

Freeman and her fellow teachers write the scripts and the students practice reading before going live on Zoom.

“A lot of times they come in excited, but nervous,” Freeman said. “I just really hope that they build confidence.”

Freeman said he hopes the program not only improves the confidence of the students who are reading the news, but also raises awareness of culture differences among all the other students.

“There's a broader conversation around what people believe in and what people do and how people live,” Freeman said. “I hope that there's increased awareness and understanding and sensitivity.”

Fourth grader Esther Kulugh said she enjoys doing the show because it helps her learn about new cultures, but she wasn’t afraid to admit that she relishes the school-wide fame that comes along with being an anchor.

“I like that everyone sees me and I get to show my pride,” she said. “They tell me I did a good job and they smile at me. It makes me feel happy and appreciated.”

Freeman said some of her favorite newscasts are when the students discuss their cultural differences that make them stand out. For example, she said, some of Muslim students wear hijabs in the school.

“It's very exciting for them to be able to share about their experience and why this is important to them and their traditions,” Freeman said. “So now, students understand that she wears a hijab because it's part of what she believes in and that's all they have to know at this age to be inclusive and culturally aware. It doesn’t have to be anything greater.”

Amelia Espinal, 10, who is in fourth grade, was among the first group of students this year. Her family is from the Dominican Republic.

One of her news segments included the story of Sylvia Mendez, who was born in California to parents who emigrated from Mexico. When they tried to enroll her in school, the district blocked her from attending because it was for white students only. The case was taken to court and eventually led to a landmark U.S. Appellate Court ruling in 1947 that ended segregation of California schools.

Fourth grader Jason Esan, 9, did the weather reports as a third grader, so he’s familiar with what it takes and is looking forward to becoming a news reader this year. To get over butterflies before his segment, Jason has mastered a breathing technique passed on through the ages.

“Sometimes I can get a little bit nervous that I might say the wrong thing,” he said. “But mostly I take deep breaths naturally and it really helps you.”

Warm Halloween turns into a record-breaker in N.J. region

Mother Nature tricked us into thinking it was spring by bringing 80-degree temperatures on Halloween. And it turned into a record-breaker in at least two areas of New Jersey.The mercury inched its way up to 83 degrees at Newark Liberty International Airport Thursday afternoon, breaking the area‘s all-time record high for Halloween, according to data from the ...

Mother Nature tricked us into thinking it was spring by bringing 80-degree temperatures on Halloween. And it turned into a record-breaker in at least two areas of New Jersey.

The mercury inched its way up to 83 degrees at Newark Liberty International Airport Thursday afternoon, breaking the area‘s all-time record high for Halloween, according to data from the National Weather Service’s New York regional office.

Newark’s old record was set 78 years ago, back in 1946, when the high on Oct. 31 reached 82 degrees.

Thursday turned warm enough at Trenton Mercer Airport in Ewing to set a new record high there for Halloween, with a reading of 82 degrees. And New York City’s Central Park tied its record high of 81 degrees for Halloween.

Those readings are about 20 degrees warmer than usual for Oct. 31.

Mother Nature’s special Halloween treat comes courtesy of a dome of high pressure that has been circulating off the Mid-Atlantic coast, allowing warm air from the south and west to push across our region.

However, the very warm autumn air won’t last too long.

The National Weather Service’s New Jersey office says a cold front will be crossing our region on Friday, “ushering in a return of near-normal temperatures through the weekend.”

Steamy Halloween temperatures

Newark and Trenton weren’t the only warm spots in New Jersey on Halloween afternoon. These were among the highest temperature readings reported by the Rutgers NJ Weather Network as of 4 p.m. Thursday:

Current weather radar

Note: This post was updated Thursday evening, Oct. 31, to include Trenton’s record-breaking temperature.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local weather news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com or on X at @LensReality.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
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