Frequently Asked Questions

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There are many different brands of smoke alarms available on the market, but they fall under two basic types: ionization and photoelectric.

It cannot be stated definitively that one is better than the other in every fire situation that could arise in a residence. Because both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting distinctly different, yet potentially fatal fires, and because no one can predict what type of fire might start in a home, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommends that every residence and place where people sleep be equipped with:

• Both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms
• Dual-sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors

In addition to the basic types of alarms, there are alarms made to meet the needs of people with hearing disabilities. These alarms may use strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to assist in alerting those who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms when they sound.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or early in the morning, so the U.S. Fire Administration recommends installing smoke alarms both inside and outside of sleeping areas.

Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Is your smoke alarm still working? Smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all.

A smoke alarm only works when it is properly installed and maintained. Depending on how your smoke alarm is powered (9-volt, 10-year lithium, or hardwired), you'll have to maintain it according to the manufacturer's instructions. General guidelines for smoke alarm maintenance:

Smoke alarm powered by a 9-volt battery:

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Replace the batteries at least once per year.
• The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8 to 10 years.

Smoke alarm powered by a 10-year lithium (or "long life") battery:

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, the entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Smoke alarm that is hardwired into the home's electrical system:

• Test the alarm monthly.
• The backup battery should be replaced at least once per year.
• The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8 to 10 years.

The Englewood Fire Department offers this service to all Englewood citizens who meet the criteria as mentioned above.

Every morning, between 8:30 am to 9:30 am, a member of the Fire Department will call the program participant (please note that calls may sometimes be slightly delayed due to emergency responses and the volume of residents participating in the program) to check that they are alright. If no answer, a second call will be made a few minutes later. If there is no answer on the second call, Fire Department units, including Emergency Medical Technicians, will be dispatched to the address to check on the welfare of the resident.

Before starting the program, a representative from the Fire Department will interview the applicant and/or their authorized representative. During this interview, we will collect medical data and other information which may be valuable in an emergency if the resident were unable to communicate. Information collected is confidential, in accordance with all applicable regulations, and the participants written authorization. Download and complete the Good Morning Englewood Program Application Form (PDF).

Call our Health Educator at 201-568-3450 ext. 508 for information and resources for quitting. Research on quitting tobacco is available on NJ GASP's website. Additional information and support for you, when you're ready to quit, is available on the NJ QUIT website.

• Become An Ex website - FREE Quit Smoking Program
• 1-800-QUIT-NOW - Connects you directly to your state quit line. All states have quit lines in place with trained coaches who provide information and help with quitting.
• Nicotine Anonymous (NicA) website - 877-879-6422
• American Lung Association website - Online Smoking Cessation Program

As of March 2017, the average cost of a pack of cigarettes in New Jersey is $7.25. If you smoke one pack of cigarettes a day, that's over $200 a month. In one year, you've spent over $2,500 on cigarettes. That's enough to go on a vacation or buy a new TV! If you continue that "pack a day" habit for 25 years, you will spend over $65,000 buying cigarettes.

• Within 20 minutes, your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal levels.
• Within 8 hours, the oxygen in your blood rises to a normal level.
• Within three days, breathing becomes easier.
• From 2 weeks to 3 months later, your circulation improves and you will have more energy.

Didn't find what you're looking for? Contact us!

Englewood Dept of Health
73 S Van Brunt Street
Englewood, NJ 07631
Phone: 201-568-3450

There are over 269 food establishments in Englewood. Of these, over 103 are restaurants. The others include food courts, supermarkets, school cafeterias, convenience store operations, hot dog carts, coffee shops, farmer's markets, hospitals, nursing homes, and daycare centers.

There are six types of inspections that may be performed:

1. Routine: unannounced, comprehensive inspection of the entire physical establishment and all aspects of safe food handling practices.
2. Follow-up: unannounced inspection conducted for the purpose of re-inspecting items that were not in compliance at the time of routine, critical procedures or complaint inspection.
3. Complaint Investigation: unannounced inspection performed in response to a complaint received by the health department.
4. Critical Procedures: unannounced inspection during which foodborne illness risk factors are evaluated to determine compliance with critical sections of the regulations.
5. Pre-opening: scheduled inspection to approve a newly constructed or remodeled establishment (or installation of new equipment) prior to a permit being issued and an establishment beginning operation.
6. Training: scheduled inspection during which formal food safety training is provided to employees of a food establishment. This can also be a mock inspection.

Public Health Inspectors, also known as Registered Environmental Health Specialists (REHS), conduct inspections in Englewood. Health Inspectors are professionals who receive specialized training in the area of food safety and sanitation. All Public Health Inspectors must hold a bachelor's degree or higher with at least 30 hours of coursework in the physical sciences. In addition, inspectors must pass the New Jersey REHS licensure examination and maintain continuing education credits annually.

Foodborne illness can occur in any type of food establishment. However, it is more likely to occur in facilities where many different kinds of perishable foods are handled and prepared. For this reason, Englewood uses a risk-based inspection program. This determines the frequency of inspections. The level of risk is determined by the types of food served, the complexity of preparation steps that food requires, the population served, the volume of food served, and previous compliance history.

A food establishment may routinely be inspected from one to four times during a 12-month period. For example, a full-service restaurant or hospital cafeteria will have more frequent routine inspections than a convenience store or coffee shop.

Public Health Inspectors look for any conditions or practices that might result in a foodborne illness. This includes things such as food temperature control, worker hygiene, cross-contamination concerns, food handling practices, food protection practices, and equipment maintenance. Public Health Inspectors use the New Jersey Sanitary Code (found at NJAC 8:24-1 and entitled "Chapter 24 Sanitation in Retail Food Establishments and Food and Beverage Vending Machines" as guidance. You can access the Sanitary Code here.

This depends on the type of violation. If an imminent health hazard is identified, the establishment is closed immediately. For other violations, inspectors work with establishment and property owners to correct the violations. Some may be corrected immediately and others may require a timeline for corrections. Repeated, uncorrected violations may also result in a permit being revoked and/or fines.

An imminent health hazard is a significant threat or danger to health that is considered to exist when there is evidence sufficient to show that a product, practice, circumstance, or event creates a situation that requires immediate correction or cessation of operation to prevent injury based on:

1. The number of potential injuries
2. The nature, severity, and duration of the anticipated injury

• Satisfactory - the establishment is operating in substantial compliance with Chapter 24. Food service personnel demonstrate that they are aware of and are practicing the required sanitation and food safety principles.
• Conditionally Satisfactory - at the time of inspection, the establishment was found not to be operating in substantial compliance with Chapter 24 and in violation of one or more required provisions. Due to the nature of these violations, an unannounced full re-inspection will be scheduled. Opportunity for re-inspection is offered within a reasonable time determined by the severity of the violation.
• Unsatisfactory - whenever a retail food establishment is operating in violation of Chapter 24, with one or more violations constituting gross insanitary or unsafe conditions posing imminent health hazards, the Health Authority immediately requests the establishment's manager to voluntarily cease operation until re-inspection verifies that conditions warranting unsatisfactory evaluation no longer exist. Meanwhile, the health authority institutes necessary measures provided by law to assure that the establishment does not prepare or serve food until re-inspection validates that conditions now meet health standards.

Restaurant inspections are public documents. You can access inspection reports of Englewood restaurants and other retail food establishments on this page.

If you are severely ill or if your symptoms persist, you should contact your physician. You may also wish to contact the restaurant and advise them of your concerns. In addition, you may file a report with the health department. You can submit a report by calling 201-568-3450 during office hours Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. You will be asked for the following information: name and address of restaurant; time and date of visit; list of all foods eaten in the 72 hours prior to when you got sick; list of all food items eaten at the restaurant; list of symptoms - when did they start? when did they end?

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact Health Inspector Priscilla Lewis at 201-871-6510 or Jennifer Galarza at 201-871-6514. In case neither Health Inspector is available, please contact Mr. James M. Fedorko, Health Officer, at 201-871-6501.

A food establishment license is required for any operation that stores, prepares, packages, serves, or sells food directly to the consumer, or provides food for human consumption. This includes, but is not limited to restaurants, grocery stores, school cafeterias, long-term care facilities, daycare centers, and mobile food units.

Licenses are required for new food establishments. Licenses are also required whenever there is a change of ownership. Licenses must be renewed each year. Please include an application processing fee based on your category/type and size (fee schedule range of $250 to $750; late fees are $50 for licenses $200 or less or $100 for licenses over $250), made payable to Englewood Health Department, with the license application. Mail or deliver completed applications to the Englewood Health Department at 73 South Van Brunt Street, Englewood, New Jersey 07631.

Applications are available from the Englewood Health Department.

Yes, you need to obtain a temporary food license for special events such as fairs and festivals. Each food vendor must submit an application and an application processing fee at least 10 days before the date of the event based on an inspection fee and set-up fee schedule (application fee for up to 3 consecutive days is $75 (including 1 inspection; application fee for up to 10 consecutive days is $125 (including 1 inspection; application fee for Farmers Market is $50 per season; application fee for Portable toilet is $15 for the first toilet; application additional portable toilet at the same location is $5 each; Set-up Deposit fee is $60 and refundable upon timely set-up for actual inspection (for all licenses), and Inspection Fee for 501c3 agencies is $30 (with 501c3 certificates)). Applications are available from the Englewood Health Department, or you may download the Guidelines for Issuing a Temporary Food Service License - English (PDF) or Guidelines for Issuing a Temporary Food Service License - Spanish (PDF).

There are six types of inspections: 

1. Routine: unannounced, comprehensive inspection of the entire physical establishment and all aspects of safe food handling practices.
2. Follow-up: unannounced inspection conducted for the purpose of re-inspecting items that were not in compliance at the time of routine, critical procedures, or complaint inspection.
3. Complaint Investigation: unannounced inspection performed in response to a complaint received by the health department.
4. Risk Factor Assessment: unannounced inspection to evaluate foodborne illness risk factors and to determine compliance with priority items of the regulations.
5. Pre-opening: scheduled inspection to approve a newly constructed or remodeled establishment (or installation of new equipment) prior to a permit being issued and an establishment beginning operation.
6. Training: scheduled inspection during which formal food safety training is provided to employees of a food establishment. This can also be a mock inspection.

Public Health inspectors, also known as Registered Environmental Health Specialists (REHS), conduct inspections in Englewood. Public Health Inspectors are professionals who receive special training in food safety and sanitation. All Public Health Inspectors must hold a bachelor's degree or higher with at least 30 hours of coursework in the physical sciences. In addition, inspectors must pass the New Jersey REHS licensure examination and maintain continuing education credits annually.

Foodborne illness can occur in any food facility. However, it is more likely to occur at food establishments where many different kinds of perishable foods are handled and prepared. For this reason, Englewood uses a risk-based inspection program. The risk category is determined by several factors including the kind of food served, the complexity of preparation steps that food requires, the population served, the volume of food served, and the establishment's previous compliance history. A food hazard assessment or establishment profile is completed for each food establishment when opening or when there is a change of menu or type of operation.

• Risk type 1 food establishment means any retail food establishment that:
  1. Serves or sells only pre-packaged, non-potentially hazardous foods;
  2. Prepares only non-potentially hazardous foods; or
  3. Heats only commercially processed, potentially hazardous foods for hot holding and does not cool potentially hazardous foods. Such retail establishments may include, but are not limited to, convenience store operations, hot dog carts, and coffee shops.
• Risk type 2 food establishment means any retail food establishment that has a limited menu; and
  1. Prepares, cooks, and serves most products immediately;
  2. Exercises hot and cold holding of potentially hazardous foods after preparation or cooking; or
  3. Limits the complex preparation of potentially hazardous foods, including the cooking, cooling, and reheating for hot holding, to two or fewer items. Such retail establishments may include but are not limited to, retail food store operations, schools that do not serve a highly susceptible population, and quick service operations, depending on the menu and preparation procedures.
• Risk type 3 food establishment means any retail food establishment that:
  1. Has an extensive menu that requires the handling of raw ingredients; and is involved in the complex preparation of menu items that includes the cooking, cooling, and reheating of at least three or more potentially hazardous foods; or
  2. Prepares and serves potentially hazardous foods including the extensive handling of raw ingredients; and whose primary service population is a highly susceptible population. Such establishments may include, but are not limited to, full service restaurants, diners, commissaries, and catering operations; or hospitals, nursing homes, and preschools preparing and serving potentially hazardous foods.
• Risk type 4 food establishment means a retail food establishment that conducts specialized processes such as smoking, curing, canning, bottling, and acidification designed to control pathogen proliferation or any reduced oxygen packaging intended for extended shelf-life where such activities may require the assistance of a trained food technologist. Such establishments include those establishments conducting specialized processing at retail.

Only pre-opening and training inspections are scheduled. All other inspections are unannounced.

Public Health Inspectors look for any conditions or practices that might result in a foodborne illness. This includes things such as food temperature control, worker hygiene, cross-contamination concerns, food handling practices, food protection practices, and equipment maintenance. Public Health Inspectors use the New Jersey Sanitary Code (found at NJAC 8:24-1 and entitled "Chapter 24 Sanitation in Retail Food Establishments and Food and Beverage Vending Machines") as guidance.

This depends on the type of violation. The establishment is closed immediately if an "imminent health hazard" or a significant threat or danger to health is identified. For other violations, inspectors work with establishment and property owners to correct the violations. Some may be corrected immediately while others may require a timeline for corrections.

Englewood restaurants are rated by the Public Health Inspectors as follows:

• Satisfactory - the establishment is operating in substantial compliance with Chapter 24. Food service personnel demonstrate that they are aware of and are practicing the required sanitation and food safety principles.
• Conditionally Satisfactory - at the time of inspection, the establishment was found not to be operating in substantial compliance with Chapter 24 and in violation of one or more required provisions. Due to the nature of these violations, an unannounced full re-inspection will be scheduled. Opportunity for re-inspection is offered within a reasonable time determined by the severity of the violation.
• Unsatisfactory - whenever a retail food establishment is operating in violation of Chapter 24, with one or more violations constituting gross insanitary or unsafe conditions posing imminent health hazards, the Health Authority immediately requests the establishment's manager to voluntarily cease operation until re-inspection verifies that conditions warranting unsatisfactory evaluation no longer exist. Meanwhile, the health authority institutes necessary measures provided by law to assure that the establishment does not prepare or serve food until re-inspection validates that conditions now meet health standards.

There are no fines for initial violations. However, there is an enforcement process for repeat violations which may include being given a written notice of violation, requiring an administrative conference, fines, and possible license revocation.

An establishment is closed if there is a large threat or danger to health. This includes the loss of electrical power or water, sewage backup, fire, flood, the onset of an apparent foodborne illness outbreak, misuse of poisonous or toxic materials, gross unsanitary occurrences or conditions, or other circumstances that may endanger public health.

If you plan to add on to your facility, you will need to submit new plans to the Englewood Health Department for review. Applications are available from the Health Department, or you may download the application here. The application fee is $75.

When purchasing new equipment, you should always purchase commercial equipment that is designed and constructed to be durable, smooth, and easy to clean. It should retain its characteristic qualities under normal use conditions. It is best to receive Englewood Health Department approval before purchasing.

Consider the extent of the problem. If there is a long interruption of electrical power or water, you will need to consider temporarily closing the establishment.

The New Jersey Sanitary Code is known as NJAC 8:24-1 and entitled "Chapter 24 Sanitation in Retail Food Establishments and Food and Beverage Vending Machines". The New Jersey Sanitary Code serves as a guide for state, county, and local agencies that regulate restaurants and retail food operations. This document represents the best-known information about safe food storage, handling, and operations in the State of New Jersey. 

All food establishments in Englewood must have a CFPM on-site during hours of operation. Individuals who wish to become a CFPM must pass a food safety certification exam that has been approved by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) that addresses the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to operate a safe and sanitary food establishment. Exams are available in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, French, Italian, and Arabic.

Currently, the three CFP-approved food safety programs are as follows:

• ServSafe website
• National Registry of Food Safety Professionals website
• Thompson Pro-metric website

Upon passing the food safety certification exam, CFPMs are issued a certificate that must be displayed inside the restaurant or other pertinent retail food establishment where it is available and accessible to the consumers and Public Health Inspectors upon review/inspection. The Food Protection Manager Certificate must be maintained and renewed upon expiration every five years.

New Jersey restaurants classified as Risk Type III establishments are required to maintain a Certified Food Safety Professional (Certified Food Protection Manager), by January 2, 2010 (NJ.A.C. 8:24 - 2.1b). This is a legal requirement in order to be in compliance with the New Jersey Sanitary Code.

In addition to maintaining at least one Certified Food Protection Manager per establishment, a restaurant must maintain, at all hours of operation, a designated Person-in-Charge. This Person-in-Charge must be knowledgeable of the New Jersey Food Code (Sanitary Code) requirements and familiar with all aspects of the restaurant's operation.

Employees of a restaurant who cook, sell, and/or serve food are required to obtain a food handler certificate. Individuals who wish to become a CFH must pass a food safety certification exam that has been approved by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) that addresses the knowledge, skills, and abilities in basic food safety, personal hygiene, cross-contamination and allergens, time and temperature, and cleaning and sanitation to maintain a safe and sanitary food establishment. Exams are available in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, French, Italian, and Arabic.

Currently, the three CFP-approved food safety programs are as follows:

• ServSafe website
• National Registry of Food Safety Professionals website
• Thompson Pro-metric website

Upon passing the food safety certification exam, CFHs are issued a certificate that must be displayed inside the restaurant or other pertinent retail food establishment where it is available and accessible to the consumers and Public Health Inspectors upon review/inspection. The Food Handler Certificate must be maintained and renewed upon expiration every three years.

New Jersey requires each worker in the food service industry to possess a food handler's license before handling and preparing food. A food handler's license demonstrates that the individual in question possesses proper knowledge of how to prevent food contamination and, accordingly, how to reduce food-borne illnesses.

Please note: If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact Health Inspector Priscilla Lewis at 201-871-6510 or Jennifer Galarza at 201-871-6514. In case neither Health Inspector is available, please contact Mr. James M. Fedorko, Health Officer, at 201-871-6501.

Zika is a viral infection that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Outbreaks typically occur in tropical Africa and Southeast Asia. In May 2015, Brazil reported the first outbreak of Zika in the Americas. Zika is now present in tropical areas.

Since this is an evolving situation, the list of affected countries is likely to change. For up‐to-date lists of countries please visit the CDC website or the Pan American Health Organization website. As of February 2, 2016, the countries and territories that have reported ongoing transmission of Zika include American Samoa, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde (Africa), Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Samoa (Oceania/Pacific Islands), Suriname, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Venezuela.

Locally transmitted cases of Zika by mosquitoes have not been identified in the United States, although the potential for local transmission exists, as Aedes mosquitoes (the mosquitoes that transmit Zika) are present in many states. In late December 2015, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) identified New Jersey's first laboratory‐confirmed case of Zika in a Bergen county woman exposed in Colombia. While there is no local public health risk associated with this travel‐related case of Zika, the NJDOH informed local health departments (LHDs) and healthcare providers to increase awareness of the risk of Zika in travelers to South and Central America and the Caribbean.

Zika virus can be spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby. There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with the Zika virus while pregnant. Knowledge of the link between Zika and these outcomes is evolving, but until more is known, CDC recommends special precautions for the following groups:

• Women who are pregnant (in any trimester):
  • Consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
  • If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your doctor first and strictly follow the steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.
• Women who are trying to become pregnant:
  • Before you travel, talk to your doctor about your plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus infection.
  • Strictly follow the steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.

Specific areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing are often difficult to determine and are likely to change over time. As more information becomes available, travel notices will be updated.

While areas in the south and southcentral U.S. are home to the type of mosquito that transmits the Zika virus, a widespread outbreak is not expected. If U.S. mosquitoes become infected with the virus, it will likely result in localized outbreaks which can be controlled through good surveillance and mosquito control efforts. Additionally, in the U.S. there is widespread use of window screens and air conditioning which reduce exposure to mosquitoes. The CDC's assumption is based on studies of other mosquito‐borne diseases, such as dengue and Chikungunya, that had localized transmission in the U.S. but did not expand to large, uncontrollable outbreaks.

At this time, we do not recommend routine Zika virus testing in asymptomatic pregnant women who have traveled to a country with the known transmission. Only pregnant women who experienced two or more symptoms during or within two weeks of travel will be tested; even if the symptoms have resolved, we will still test if the criteria is met.

• Pregnant women, or women who recently delivered, who experienced two ore more of the following symptoms during or within two weeks of travel to a country with Zika transmission:
  • Acute onset of fever
  • Rash
  • Arthralgia
  • Conjunctivitis
• Asymptomatic pregnant women with travel to a country with current Zika transmission who have a fetal ultrasound suggestive of microcephaly or intracranial calcifications
• Infants with microcephaly or intracranial calcifications detected prenatally or at birth, and whose mother traveled to or resided in an area with Zika transmission while pregnant
• Infants born to mothers who had a confirmed positive or inconclusive test result for Zika following travel to, or residence in, an area with Zika while pregnant
• Non‐pregnant individuals currently symptomatic with two or more of the following symptoms and travel within the past two weeks to country with Zika transmission, or non-pregnant individuals with Guillain‐Barre Syndrome and travel to a country with Zika transmission.

Pregnant women with travel to a country with current Zika transmission, but who do not present with symptoms, are not currently being recommended for testing. It is advised that healthcare providers and others monitor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) website for updates in this guidance, as testing restrictions may change.

Considerations for follow-up: Asymptomatic pregnant women with a history of travel to an area of Zika transmission while pregnant, regardless of past symptoms, should consult with their healthcare providers. Providers may refer to the MMWR Interim Guidelines for Pregnant Women During a Zika Virus Outbreak on the CDC website.

Testing is not indicated for women without a recent travel history to an area with Zika transmission, or for pregnant women who traveled before becoming pregnant.

The most common symptoms of Zika include:

• Fever
• Rash
• Joint pain
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)

Other common symptoms include:

• Muscle pain
• Headache

Most people do not develop symptoms. In the 20% of people who do get symptoms, the illness is usually mild. The biggest concern is the chance of a serious birth defect if a pregnant woman becomes infected.

At this point in time, the type of rash commonly seen with Zika is still being defined. While the maculopapular rash is reported most often, pruritic rashes have been described as well. Additionally, rash on the trunk and face have been described, but we cannot rule out the possibility rash will distribute differently. CDC would like providers to document all rash information so we can learn more about this symptom.

Most people who are infected were bitten by an infected mosquito. There has been one report of the possible spread of the virus through blood transfusion and a few reports of sexual transmission.

Symptoms usually begin 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and last several days to a week.

Anyone who is living in or traveling to an area where the Zika virus is found, who has not already been infected with the Zika virus, is at risk for infection.

Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.

Zika virus can be passed from the mother to her baby during pregnancy. This mode of transmission is being investigated. To date, there are no reports of infants getting Zika through breastfeeding, although the virus has been identified in breast milk. Because the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risk of acquiring Zika, mothers are encouraged to breastfeed, even in areas where the Zika virus is found.

To date, there are no reports of infants getting Zika through breastfeeding. Because of the benefits of breastfeeding, mothers are encouraged to breastfeed even in areas where the Zika virus is found. Mothers who are breastfeeding in areas where the Zika virus is found should practice mosquito prevention measures such as using insect repellent.

There has been one report of the possible spread of the virus through blood transfusion and a few reports of sexual transmission, but the primary method of transmitting Zika is through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Guidance is pending from the CDC on the Zika virus and sexual transmission.

We do not know the exact risk to the baby if a woman is infected with the Zika virus while she is pregnant. However, Zika virus infection does not pose a risk of birth defects in future pregnancies. Zika virus usually remains in the blood of an infected person for about a week. The virus will not cause infections in a baby that is conceived after the virus is cleared from the blood.

No. If infected, the Zika virus usually remains in the blood of an infected person for about a week. The virus will not cause infections in a baby that is conceived after the virus is cleared from the blood.

There is no specific treatment for Zika. Symptoms are treated by getting rest, drinking fluids to prevent dehydration, and taking medicines such as acetaminophen or paracetamol to relieve fever and pain. Aspirin and other non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, should be avoided until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of increased bleeding.

No, there is currently no vaccine to prevent Zika.

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is communicating with local health departments and healthcare providers through health alert messages and conference calls to increase their awareness. Updated information will be posted to the NJDOH website as updates become available.

Travel-related cases at this time of year are not a risk to the public since mosquitoes are not active in the U.S. during the winter months. However, if people are infected while visiting another country in months when mosquitoes are active in the U.S., it will be important for the Zika-infected traveler to avoid being bitten by a mosquito once they return to the U.S. for the week following illness onset. This will help prevent the mosquitoes here in the U.S. from getting infected by the traveler.

Since Zika is spread by mosquitoes, CDC recommends that travelers to areas with ongoing transmission protect themselves from mosquito bites:

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long‐sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use EPA‐registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535. Always use as directed. The oil of lemon eucalyptus was removed‐safety in pregnant women is unknown.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women can use all EPA‐registered insect repellents, including DEET, according to the product label.
• Most repellents, including DEET, can be used on children aged >2 months.
• Use permethrin‐treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). You can buy pre‐treated clothing and gear or treat them yourself.
• Stay and sleep in screened‐in or air‐conditioned rooms.

Women who are pregnant (in any trimester) should consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. If you are pregnant and must travel to one of these areas, talk to your doctor first and strictly follow the steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip. Women who are trying to become pregnant should talk to their doctor about plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus infection before travel and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during travel. All women of childbearing age who choose to travel should follow steps to prevent mosquito bites in the event of an unplanned pregnancy.

If infected, the Zika virus usually remains in the blood of an infected person for about a week. The virus will not cause infections in a baby that is conceived after the virus is cleared from the blood.

Zika is not an airborne disease and cannot be spread by coughing, sneezing, or talking. However, the Zika virus has been found in semen and person‐to‐person sexual transmission has been documented.

There is currently no evidence that Zika causes more serious illnesses in the elderly or people with chronic illnesses. It is recommended that all travelers consult with their healthcare providers to be sure they are well enough to travel. In most cases, the Zika virus causes a mild illness. Providers should consider the patient's ability to withstand all vector‐borne diseases, including but not limited to dengue, Chikungunya, and malaria, which can cause severe illness. Other travel-related illnesses, such as diarrhea should also be considered. If a person chooses to travel, they should take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Please review the question, "Can I travel to countries affected by the outbreak?" for more information.

The CDC website has additional information about Zika and the current outbreak. Please review the CDC Zika Virus page to learn more.

• A person who will be 18 years of age on or before the next election.
•  A person who is a United States Citizen.
•  A person who is a resident of the State of New Jersey and of the County at least 30 days before the election.
•  A person who is not incarcerated, on or on probation due to a conviction for an indictable offense under any federal or state laws.

Voter registration in New Jersey is permanent.

A voter who moves within the County at least twenty-one (21) days prior to an election must file a Change of Address notice with the Bergen County Superintendent of Elections office or by mail.

New Jersey Voter Registration Forms are available online from the following links: 

• New Jersey Voter Registration Form - English (PDF)
• New Jersey Voter Registration Form -  Spanish (PDF)
• New Jersey Voter Registration Form -  Korean  (PDF)

If the voter has moved within the County within the twenty-one (21) days preceding the election, he/she may vote at his newly designated polling place by means of Provisional Ballot.

When a voter changes his/her name due to marriage, divorce or Judgement of the Court, the voter may vote by signing both names at the time of voting.

The deadline to register is 21 days before an election. Voters may register after the deadline, but registrant should be advised that he/she will not be eligible to vote in the election immediately forthcoming but will be eligible to vote in elections held thereafter.  

• City Clerks Office
• Bergen County Superintendent of Elections Office
• New Jersey Voter Registration Forms are available online from the following links:
  • New Jersey Voter Registration Form - English (PDF)
  • New Jersey Voter Registration Form - Spanish (PDF)
  • New Jersey Voter Registration Form - Korean (PDF)

• A registered voter currently affiliated with a political party who wishes to change their party affiliation must file a Political Party Affiliation Declaration Form 50 days before a Primary Election. 
• A registered voter currently not affiliated with a political party may declare their party affiliation up to and including Primary Election day.
• Political Party Affiliation Declaration Forms are available online from the following links:
  • Political Party Affiliation Declaration Form - English (PDF)
  • Political Party Affiliation Declaration Form - Spanish (PDF)
  • Political Party Affiliation Declaration Form -  Korean (PDF)

• A registered voter may apply for a Mail-In ballot for any reason.
• Once a registered voter applies for a Mail-In ballot, he/she will not be allowed to vote at your polling place in the same election. The ballot must be received by the Board of Elections before the close of polls on Election Day.
•  A voter may vote by mail by completing the Application for Vote by Mail-In Ballot (see below), and returning the application to their County Clerk (County Clerk addresses attached to form).
• To receive your ballot by mail, the application must be received by the County Clerk 7 days prior to the election. A voter may also apply in person to the County Clerk until 3 pm, the day before the election.
• Application for Vote By Mail-In Ballot are available online at the following links: 
  • Application for Vote By Mail-In Ballot - English (PDF)
  • Application for Vote By Mail-In Ballot - Spanish (PDF)
  • Application for Vote By Mail-In Ballot - Korean (PDF)

If mailed, application must be received no later than seven (7) days before the election. If delivered in person to the County Clerk's office, no later than 3 pm the day before the election.

There are 16 voting districts in the City of Englewood. Yours will be noted on the top of the sample ballot you receive from the County.

• Primary Election (Polls are open from 6 am to 8 pm)
• General Election (Polls are open from 6 am to 8 pm) 

All government records are subject to public access under the Open Public Act ("OPRA") unless specifically exempt.  To file an OPRA request in the City of Englewood, please complete the following form:

• OPRA Online Form (Non-Police related records)

Please be advised the City of Englewood has appointed a designated Custodian of Records at the Englewood Police Department. Therefore, for all police-related records request, please click on the link below:

• Police OPRA Online Form

Additional Information

For more OPRA information, visit the State of New Jersey Government Records Council.

Vital Statistics & Licensing

Leave the Leaves

Englewood Recycling

Computer Recycling

Inspectors

City of Englewood Municipal Court

Pay My Parking Ticket Online

Elections

Agenda and Minutes

Street Light Outages

Park, Field, Events & Facility Permit Application

Police Department

Where Do I Vote?

• 2022 Election Map
• Descriptions of New Election District Boundaries 2022
• Descriptions of New Ward Boundaries 2022
• Polling Locations 2022

Human Resources Department

Title 59 Form - https://app.polimorphic.com/react/organizations/englewood-nj/blueprints/title-59-form/apply

Application for General Events

Englewood Recycling

Request for Appointment to City Board, Commission, or Committee

286-6 Prohibited Actions [Which Cause Noise]:

Construction or repairing of buildings. Operating or permitting the operation of any heavy construction equipment used in construction, including the use of bulldozers, tractors, generators, pile drivers, or similar equipment, other than domestic power tools operated by the owner or occupant of residential premises while performing any construction work on such premises owned or occupied by him, or any excavation, blasting, earthmoving or demolition work, at any time on Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays or other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays except in case of emergency work or by the issuance of a special variance pursuant to § 286-8 hereof.

Application for Street Renaming in the City of Englewood

Application for Truck Parking Permit

Application for Handicap Parking

Application for Rear Yard Assistance Automated Service

Report a Concern

If you would like to notify us about a general concern, comment, or compliment - please email us at complaints-requests@cityofenglewood.org

The Englewood Police Department is located at 75 S. Van Brunt St, Englewood NJ 07631.  There is parking across the street from entrance and designated parking spots for “Police Business”.

Generally, police reports are completed between 3 to 5 business days. For Motor Vehicle Crash Reports, your report can be obtained via LexisNexis by using the link below.

Click Here for Crash Reports 

You will need your report number, or the last name and the date of the incident, or last name and street location.  For Criminal Reports, please contact the Detective Bureau via email at reports@englewoodpd.org at 201-568-4875. You will need to provide identification and the police report number in order to obtain a criminal report.   For other reports, please contact the Records Bureau via email at reports@englewoodpd.org at 201-568-2731.

Generally, you do not have to come into the police station in order to make a report, as long as you are in Englewood. However, if you are not in Englewood, most likely we will be unable to assist you with taking a report and you may have to go to the local police station. As always, if you are trying to report an emergency condition, call 911 immediately.  

No, all police reports must be made in person and no information can be taken over the telephone.  We will take all information in regard to emergencies or reports of criminal activity, but a report will more than likely will not be generated in this manner.

A dispute between a landlord and a tenant is a civil matter and therefore the police cannot intervene. The police will only keep the peace at the scene and explain to each party their rights in the situation and the proper avenues to resolve the dispute.   Landlords are not permitted to “lock-out” a tenant or interfere with utilities.  Evictions may only take place with due process of the court.

For many people, being pulled over by a Police can be an extremely stressful event.

If a Police car pulls in behind you while driving and activates its emergency lights and/or siren, you should pull over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe. Once you have pulled over, you should put the car in park and turn on the interior light. This is for your safety as well as the safety of the Officer.

You have to remember that although you know you are a decent, law abiding citizen, the Police Officer behind you has no idea who you are and will be naturally cautious as numerous Officers are hurt and even killed each year during "routine" traffic stops. When approached by the Officer, you will be asked for your driver's license, vehicle registration card and proof of insurance for the car.

If you need to enter the glove compartment to retrieve the documents, just tell the Officer what you are doing and proceed to get your documents when instructed.

In order to make the traffic stop as safe and pleasant as possible for all involved, here are a few tips:

• Do not make any sudden or violent movements.

• Do not suddenly conceal or hide your hands.

• Remain in the vehicle unless instructed to exit by the Officer.

As soon as the Officer has your documents, he/she will explain the reason for the traffic stop. The officer may give a verbal warning, a written warning or issue a traffic summons. If you have any questions, the Officer will attempt to answer them at the scene and will also provide you with the number for the Municipal Court which is located on the summons.

911 is for anything related to an emergency such as:

• A crime that is occurring at the present time
• A car crash 
• A possible drunk driver
• Life threatening medical emergencies 

Please call 201-568-2700 or 201-568-2711 for all non-emergency related calls such as:

• Offenses that occurred in the past
• Non-life threatening traffic concerns
• Non-urgent requests for police service

Police response times are affected by several variables such as:

• The time of day the call is received
• The number of calls for service at any given moment
• The number of officers needed at a given call for service
• The urgency of the call

All requests for law enforcement service are assigned a priority based on the seriousness of the incident and the potential for injury or damage to property. At times, calls of less urgent natures must be delayed so that officers can respond immediately to emergencies. The Englewood Police Department makes every effort to arrive at your request for service as soon as possible. We thank you for your patience and understanding if you happen to call during one of those situations where the responding officer is delayed in responding to your call.

At any given moment in the day or night, there are more officers in your community that you can plainly see. Police officers in uniform driving our distinctive patrol cars which are only some of the officers working at any given time. The Englewood Police Department also has officers working in plain clothes and un-marked cars as well as administrative staff that supplement patrol officers when needed. In addition, uniformed patrol officers are often in your neighborhood at times when you would not necessarily see them, such as peak times of criminal activity which may be when you are at work or asleep. If any area or neighborhood begins to experience an increase of crime or becomes the victim of a specific crime trend, specialized units and resources will be deployed to deal with the problem.

It is critical that 911 operators get as much information as possible from the caller in an order mandated by state law. Operators are trained to get as much information as possible in order to best determine the nature of the problem and it is seriousness. This is for the safety of the community and all the first responders. On emergency calls, the officer(s) or medical personnel are usually already in route while the call taker is still gathering additional information from the caller. That additional information is being radioed to the responding officer(s) while they are driving to the scene. We thank you for your cooperation in answering the questions necessary for the responding officers to best assist you with your situation.

Yes, you can. There is no requirement to give your name or address when making a call to the police department. However, it is extremely helpful if the responding officer(s) has someone to contact either in person or by telephone to get more specific information to effectively address the problem. Many times officers respond to an anonymous service calls and cannot find the origin of the problem with the information provided, or the situation may change prior to police arrival. Officers have no way of knowing that. This can result in both frustrated citizens and officers.

However, the Englewood Police Department realizes that in some circumstances, a person may not want neighbors to know that they have called the police. Yet, something as simple as a telephone number by which to reach the complainant can make a significant difference in whether or not a situation is corrected or goes undiscovered or unidentified. Please inform the operator that you do not wish to be contacted in person, but an officer may call you if needed.

This is a common misconception. The answer is NO! The moment that you are concerned about a person's whereabouts is the time to call. You can make a missing person report anytime you realize that someone is missing.  In these cases, time is of the essence and the quicker the police department receives information, the better we can investigate to come to a positive resolution.

Yes! Calls to 911 from cellphones are free. However, please do not try to pursue an intoxicated driver or place yourself in any danger. Keep a safe distance from the suspected intoxicated driver. When you call 911, you will be asked to provide a description of the car, its location and direction. Police officers will be dispatched to the area and will take care of the rest. In addition, use a hands free device, unless there is an emergency.

Yes, we can assist but officers are no longer permitted to try and unlock your doors themselves.   Vehicle doors are very complex and we do not want to damage your property. Please contact us at 201-871-2700 or 201-871-2711 and tell the dispatcher that you have locked your keys in your car. We will be able to provide you with the contact information to a local tow service which will be able to help. However, please note that tow service may charge you for the service.

No... Neither the Englewood Police Department nor legitimate police charities will ever contact you by telephone to ask for donations. Furthermore, the police department does not receive funds from any of the organization(s) that contacts you by telephone. NEVER give your credit card information to anyone who calls you on the telephone use caution when donating to charities without doing research.

Traffic tickets can be paid in-person at the Violations Bureau window of the Municipal Court. The Municipal Court is located directly next to the Englewood Police Department at 73. S Van Brunt St, Englewood NJ 07631.

Traffic tickets can also be paid on-line by clicking on the below link. There should be detailed instructions on how to do so on the ticket itself.

Pay Traffic Tickets Here

Traffic tickets and criminal complaints can be contested in court by appearing on your scheduled court date and entering a “not guilty” plea. You can also enlist the services of an attorney to guide you through this process. If you intend to contest the charge or are requesting a downgrade, you should contact the court as soon as possible via telephone at 201-569-0255 to inform them.   This may assist you in not having to appear at multiple court hearings.

We use an NJTR-1 accident report form which is standardized throughout the State of New Jersey. In order to decipher the codes, which are required to be used in the reports, a link to the NJTR-1 Crash Report Manual can be found below. Place a copy of the NJTR-1 Crash Report Manual on top of your report.

NJTR-1 Crash Report Manual

By State law, the police department can only release an impounded vehicle upon a showing of a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and auto insurance card. If you have those items in your possession, take them to the lobby of the Englewood Police Department located at 75 S. Van Brunt St, Englewood NJ 07631. An officer will give you a release form to bring to the tow yard. Once you present the release form and pay the standard towing fees, the tow truck company will release your car. 

If your documents are inside the towed car, please call the Englewood Communications Center at 201-568-2700 to make arrangements on getting your documents. 

If you cannot appear at police headquarters personally, you can designate a representative to pick up your vehicle release by indicating your permission in a notarized letter. Your representative must still present a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance card with your notarized letter.

OPRA requests can be submitted to the Town Clerk’s Office through their online portal, by email or by visiting the Town Clerk’s Office in-person at City Hall, located at 2-10 N. Van Brunt St, Englewood NJ 07631.

Instructions for firearms ownership matters can be obtained by visiting the Records Bureau webpage.

For frequently asked questions, please also see the State Police Firearms FAQs webpage. 

Instructions and application information can be found on the Records Bureau webpage.

Any police commendations letters may be sent to:

The Chief of Police

Englewood Police Department

75 S. Van Brunt St

Englewood NJ, 07631

Police Misconduct may be reported by any of the following methods:

• In person
• By phone
• By mail
• By email

Additional information may also be located on the Englewood Police Department’s Internal Affairs and Information webpage located below.

Englewood Police Department - Internal Affairs

Police officers cannot complete an accident report unless they are on scene to observe the vehicles and the scene of the accident. In cases when driver’s did not call the police for an extended period of time, the accident form must be completed by the driver or owner of the vehicle.  This form can be found below.  

NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Motor Vehicle Accident Report