43,000,000 Gallons of Water

That’s how much salty ocean water they say Superstorm Sandy caused to flood the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel in lower Manhattan on Monday night, October 29^th.  Those millions of gallons have been pumped out and damage caused by the salt-water repaired in one of the two tubes. This past Tuesday afternoon, fifteen days later, that tube of the Tunnel was opened to car traffic going into Brooklyn.  Sandy-caused inordinate traffic congestion is somewhat relieved.

I anticipated flooding in my home should the monstrous storm stay on its predicted path. I have a sump pump that pulsates into action during heavy rains or even with soft rains continuing for several days.   No electricity; no sump pump.  I agonized over the strong possibility of losing electricity.  I did – for four days.  But, I had no flooding.  I’ve learned because Superstorm Sandy was primarily wind and wind driven water surge (minimal rainfall) and there had been no rainfall for many days prior, the water table was low enough to save me from flooding.

Going forward, my ‘new normal’ will have to include a backup plan that is more than flashlights, a battery powered radio, prudently used candles and sheer fortitude.

Now, just as a fixture in ones home is a heating system and hot water tank, I hope to have my utility company install a permanent gas-powered generator.

Tears fill my eyes when I hear and read the personal words of those who suffered loss, loss that may never be recovered.  Their ‘new normal’ will be adjusting to drastic change possibly involving loved ones, housing, and career.

Aerial view of a Jersey Shore neighborhood in the wake of Sandy

In New Jersey in addition to the thousands of homes and businesses damaged and destroyed there were 33 deaths due to Superstorm Sandy’s destructive intrusion into our lives.  These deaths have been attributed to drownings, injury from fallen trees, carbon monoxide poisoning, and hypothermia.

I've read more than 7200 property owners in Connecticut have applied for assistance due to Sandy.

The good news is there are many stories of giving and sharing by folks able to do so, some also victims of the devastation.

I ask you to do what you can from where you are to help people who now have seriously disrupted lives.  My assistance has included giving to the Red Cross, and to a fund through the organized unit of United Methodist Women and additionally through my church.

                                            

That’s the way it is here in our tri-state area of New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.  Sandy’s horrific flooding, smashing and uprooting of lives will need my assistance and yours for many months to come.

Have you helped?  Will you find a way to do so?  Thanks.