N.J. may face worst coastal flooding since Sandy, plus snow, rain and wind

N.J. may face worst coastal flooding since Sandy, plus snow, rain and wind (via NJ.com)

The center of a powerful coastal storm is expected to pass well to our south and east over the next few days, battering parts of the southern Mid-Atlantic with heavy snow and rain. But that’s actually not a good thing for New Jersey’s battered coast. While the state may be spared the brunt of wintry…

Christie's no-bid Hurricane Sandy contract could cost N.J. millions in federal funding

Christie's no-bid Hurricane Sandy contract could cost N.J. millions in federal funding (via NJ.com)

TRENTON — When Gov. Chris Christie awarded a no-bid contract to a Florida debris removal company a day after Hurricane Sandy hit, the administration and its proponents said it was needed for a quick response to the disaster and stressed it was the best way for hard-hit towns to get the most aid from…

Battered boats: Sandy's wrath hit N.J. maritime industry hard

Battered boats: Sandy's wrath hit N.J. maritime industry hard (via NJ.com)

Capt. Harold "Smitty" Smith couldn't believe it — they were everywhere, hundreds of them. Stacked in piles by the dozen. Leaning against homes and on top of cars. Peeking out from murky waters and marshes up and down the New Jersey coast. Hurricane Sandy had turned the Shore area into a graveyard…

5 Jersey towns spending $50M on boardwalks

The Jersey Shore is known for about 20 boardwalks lining the Atlantic coast from Keansburg in the north to Cape May in the south.

1:47PM EST December 5. 2012 - BELMAR, N.J. — At least five Jersey Shore resort towns hit hard in superstorm Sandy plan to spend more than $50 million to rebuild their boardwalk areas with a goal of being ready for beach season.

To bring back its 1.3 miles of boardwalk, Belmar, N.J., officials approved $20 million in bonds earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Asbury Park, N.J., officials said that city expects to spend nearly $12 million.

STORY: Atlantic City boardwalk back in business

MORE: A look back at Jersey Shore boardwalks

In Seaside Heights, N.J., home to an iconic wooden roller coaster destroyed in the storm, council members at their meeting Wednesday night plan to look at the costs associated with rebuilding its 16 blocks of boardwalk. Original estimates were almost $13 million.

Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., is expecting restoration of its almost milelong boardwalk to cost about $2 million. And officials in Long Branch, N.J., who want their walkway rebuilt by Memorial Day, have approved $5 million so far in emergency money because of the storm.

The Jersey Shore is known for about 20 boardwalks lining the Atlantic coast from Keansburg in the north to Cape May in the south. Superstorm Sandy reduced several of them to splinters.

"The boardwalk is an integral part of the identity of the town. We've had one every year since 1875," Belmar Mayor Matthew Doherty said.

"This year will be no different," he said, adding that the boardwalk should be back in place by Memorial Day weekend.

Belmar approved the bonds at a Monday night meeting that one resident described as "standing room only."

"All they wanted to talk about was the boardwalk. They're concentrated on getting that fixed," said JoAnn Ali, a lifelong Belmar resident.

Doherty said the borough is being aggressive about resurrecting the boardwalk because losing tourists would hurt many small businesses that depend on healthy summer revenues to survive.

"If we don't have tourists, property taxes will skyrocket and the businesses will suffer," Doherty said. Cleanup costs associated with the storm will account for $3 million with the remaining $17 million earmarked for the borough's new boardwalks.

“If we don't have tourists, property taxes will skyrocket and the businesses will suffer.”

-- Mayor Matthew Doherty of Belmar, N.J.

Belmar officials anticipate the Federal Emergency Management Agency will pay for 75 percent — if not more — of the cost of boardwalk repairs, Doherty said. The remaining 25 percent will be paid over 20 years out of the borough's beach utility fund.

To keep up with the payments, Belmar beachgoers can expect an increase in beach badge fees for next summer.

"The beach will still remain a very affordable price for middle-class families to come," said Doherty, adding that he was first in line to buy seasonal beach badges for his family of four when they went on sale Monday.

Another way the borough is raising money: Beach lovers can buy a board on the new boardwalk. Individual boards cost $25 to $5,000.

Belmar's new boardwalk plans call for 3,100 25-foot-long pilings that will be pounded into the sand, composite decking and hurricane straps.

"The old boardwalk was built during the '70s, '80s and '90s," Doherty said. "This one will be built to current codes."

Meanwhile, Asbury Park manager Terence Reidy said that city will receive more than $1 million from FEMA for debris cleanup and expects to spend nearly $12 million on rebuilding.

Recovery costs include repairing damage to the boardwalk, sewage plant and fire house, as well as paying for emergency personnel who worked overtime after the storm, Reidy said.

The city submitted a $1.8 million preliminary request to FEMA for clearing debris in hard-hit sections, Reidy said. Officials anticipate FEMA will roll out more money and insurance providers will make reimbursements as construction begins.

Asbury Park approved an emergency appropriation of $7.1 million that will be allocated over five years.

Reidy and other officials have promised Asbury Park's boardwalk will be ready by summer 2013. A few boardwalk businesses already have reopened their doors.

Hurricane Sandy Atlantic City Boardwalk Floating Planks

Original Content: Contributing: Kristi Funderburk, Asbury Park (N.J.) Press

Cape May–Lewes Ferry officials said ferry service will return to normal schedule on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

LEWES, Del.- Cape May–Lewes Ferry officials said ferry service will return to normal schedule on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Officials said that on Tuesday morning they inspected the infrastructure at both the Cape May and Lewes ferry terminals, as well as each ferry vessel. No damage has been reported.

Early Tuesday afternoon, the United States Coast Guard completed its assessment of the Delaware River for debris and remaining navigational aids and issued clearance for the MV Cape May to depart the Holt Marine Terminal, Gloucester City, N.J. at 1 p.m. and return to Cape May New, NJ. The MV Delaware and MV New Jersey followed shortly thereafter.

"We will operate our normal ferry schedule tomorrow with the first ferry departing Cape May at 7:30 a.m.," said Heath Gehrke, director of ferry operations. "We were very fortunate that our facilities were relatively unscathed."

On Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 27-28, CMLF marine personnel transported all five ferries upriver for the safety of the vessels. The MV Twin Capes, MV Cape May, MV Delaware, MV New Jersey, and MV Cape Henlopen were docked at Holt Marine Terminal in Gloucester City, N.J., to ride out Hurricane Sandy.

Travelers who plan to use the Cape May-Lewes Ferry are advised to call toll free at (800) 643-3779, visit the CMLF online at www.cmlf.com or friend us on Facebook for the latest departure information.

Angel of the Sea Offering Rooms Free of Charge for people in need from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy

Angel of the Sea Offering Rooms Free of Charge for people in need from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy

I received this email today from Lori Whiseell and the staff from the Angel of the Sea Bed and Breakfast. Please pass this on to any in need after the storm aftermath in Cape May. This is a very special gesture from the Angel of the Sea and Lori, we are proud to be part of the Cape May community pulling together to help after the storm. Please keep in mind that these rooms are saved for those that are truly in need.

Best Wishes and Thank you to the Angel of the Sea for this thoughtful and generous offer.




   
 The Angel has come through another Storm with minimal damage. Oh, we need to clean up a little but consider ourselves to be extremely lucky. With power,heat and food we have some things that we feel we need to share.

      We know something like a warm shower and a hot meal can go a long way in these times of need. We have rooms available so our hope is we can use these to help anyone who needs a night in a warm bed. Starting on Wednesday October 31st we will be offering rooms free of charge to anyone finding themselves in need from the aftermath of this Storm.

       We will not take any calls on this offer until 8am Wednesday October 31st. We are not able to apply this to any current reservations and ask that we all save these rooms for those truly in need.

       We hope that this E-mail finds you safe and your family well, but if you do need a night from the after effects of the storm please call us after 8am Wednesday at 609-884-3369

In appreciation of all you have done for us

     Lorie Whissell and the Angel Staff

Angel of the Sea Bed and Breakfast

5 Trenton Ave

Cape May, New Jersey 08204

6098843369

This offer may be withdrawn at any time and we reserve the right to determine duration of any stay. We hope this offer is used in the spirit it is offered to any who need it.

Hurricane Sandy Claims the HMS Bounty at Sea

Fourteen crew members pulled safely from life rafts

Oct 30 - A crew woman who was pulled from the water after the replica ship HMS Bounty sank during Hurricane Sandy has died, a spokesman for a North Carolina hospital said on Tuesday.

Fourteen other crew members were rescued from life rafts in the Atlantic Ocean and the Coast Guard was still searching for the ship's captain.

Claudene Christian, 42, was unresponsive when rescuers pulled her from the sea and hoisted her aboard a Coast Guard helicopter on Monday afternoon. She was taken to Albemarle Hospital in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where she died, spokesman Patrick Detwiler said.

The 16-member crew donned orange neoprene survival suits and life jackets and abandoned the replica tall ship about 90 miles (145 km) southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, after it began taking on water and lost propulsion.

The three-masted, 180-foot (55-meter) ship, which was built for the 1962 movie, "Mutiny on the Bounty," sank.

Rescuers pulled 14 crew members from the rafts and took them safely to shore. Christian and the missing captain, Robin Walbridge, 63, were washed overboard before they could make it onto the rafts.

The ship was on its way from New London, Connecticut, to St. Petersburg, Florida, and was about 160 miles (260 km) from the eye of the hurricane when it foundered.

The original Bounty, a British transport vessel, gained infamy for a mutiny in Tahiti in 1789. Marlon Brando starred as lead mutineer Fletcher Christian in the movie for which the ship was built. (Additional reporting by Gene Cherry, editing by Jane Sutton and David Brunnstrom)

Original Content  Harriet McLeod

What to do after Hurricane Sandy (FEMA)

After a Hurricane FEMA...What to do, guidelines from FEMA

• Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.

Lobster House Entrance Cape May

Wildwood Flooding

• Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
• If you have become separated from your family, use your family communications plan or contact FEMA or the American Red Cross.
• FEMA has established the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (NEFRLS), which has been developed to help reunite families who are separated during a disaster. The NEFRLS system will enable displaced individuals the ability to enter personal information into a website database so that they can be located by others during a disaster.
• The American Red Cross also maintains a database to help you find family. Contact the local American Red Cross chapter where you are staying for information. Do not contact the chapter in the disaster area.
• If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
• If you cannot return home and have immediate housing needs. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
• For those who have longer-term housing needs, FEMA offers several types of assistance, including services and grants to help people repair their homes and find replacement housing. Apply for assistance or search for information about housing rental resources
• Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed¬ out bridges. Stay off the streets. If you must go out watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks.
• Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
• Walk carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage before entering.
• Stay out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
• Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
• Use battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering - the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.
• Watch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
• Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
• Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
• Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
• NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.

Durimg A Hurricane What to Do Fema

During a Hurricane

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or TV for information.
• Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks
• Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
• Moor your boat if time permits.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
• Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.

• If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure – such shelter are particularly hazardous during hurricane no matter how well fastened to the ground.
• If you live in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
• If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an island waterway.

Read more about evacuating yourself and your family. If you are unable to evacuate, go to your wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
• Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
• Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
• Avoid elevators.

We encourage you to read through this “Hurricane Survival Guide for New Jersey,”

Hurricane Sandy is expected to make landfall alter this evening to the Jersey Shore and Cape May. Please be prepared and read this NJ Hurricane Survival Guide.

Hazardous weather impacts New Jersey residents on a regular basis. Many of us have experienced the long-term power outages, flooding, evacuations, property destruction, debris and other impacts to our daily lives that can result from the onset of nature’s fury. We can’t stop the onset of a natural hazard;  but there are steps you can take to increase your safety and comfort when adverse
conditions occur.

We encourage you to read through this “Hurricane Survival Guide for New Jersey,”
and take the actions necessary to secure your family and home. The preparations you
make for hurricanes will also help you survive all types of natural disasters.

Please Click on the Link Here to get to the Hurricane Survival Guide for New Jersey

Hurricane App

Be ready for severe weather with Hurricane by American Red Cross. Monitor conditions in your area or throughout the storm track, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out – a must have for anyone who lives in an area where a hurricane may strike or has loved ones who do.

From your mobile phone, call "**REDCROSS" (**73327677) and we will send you a link to download the app to your phone or you can download them directly from the iTunes or Google Play app stores

NJ Gov. Christie Declares State Of Emergency

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie declared a State of Emergency Saturday, more than 24 hours ahead of the expected start of the effects of Hurricane Sandy.

Christie has ordered a mandatory evacuation of the barrier islands from Sandy Hook south to Cape May by 4 o’clock Sunday afternoon. He has also ordered the casinos in Atlantic City to be evacuated by that same time.

Shelters have been opened in 18 of New Jersey’s 21 counties. The American Red Cross will be opening a shelter at Upper Township Middle School in Cape May. That shelter will be fully operational by Sunday morning. The Woodvine Developmental Center will also be a shelter in Cape May County. Christie is urging residents to take shelter in their homes. For those whose homes are threatened, they’re being encouraged to use the county shelters as their “shelter of first resort.”

Christie says all 21 county aging agencies are coordinating with their county offices of emergency management, and will assist in any evacuations of elderly residents, especially from the coastal areas near the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.

One of the steps the state is taking to reduce flooding is to lower the water levels in half a dozen drinking water reservoirs. City and county governments are being asked to clear roads and storm drains of leaves so the drains don’t become clogged, which would exacerbate flooding problems. State parks will be closed at noon on Sunday.

You can watch Gov. Christie’s full press conference today in Monmouth County by clicking here.

Search for Red Cross Shelters Hurricane Sandy

Search for Red Cross Shelters

Search for open Red Cross shelters by address, city, state, and/or zip code.
Shelter information is updated every 30 minutes from the National Shelter Systems

http://app.redcross.org/nss-app/