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Sunday, January 12, 2025

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Is New Jersey Ready for Another Superstorm?

New Jersey has taken significant steps to prepare for future hurricanes since the devastating impact of Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The state has implemented a range of measures to enhance its resilience and ensure the safety of its residents.

Infrastructure Improvements

One of the key areas of focus has been infrastructure. New Jersey has invested billions of dollars in upgrading its coastal protection systems. This includes the construction of sand dunes, seawalls, and other barriers to protect against storm surges and flooding. Additionally, the state has elevated thousands of homes in flood-prone areas to reduce the risk of damage from future storms.

Utility Upgrades

The state has also made significant improvements to its utility infrastructure. After Sandy, over two million households lost power, highlighting the need for a more resilient power grid. New Jersey has since upgraded its utility systems to reduce the likelihood of widespread outages. This includes the installation of more robust power lines and the implementation of advanced technologies to quickly identify and address power disruptions.

Emergency Preparedness Plans

New Jersey has developed comprehensive emergency preparedness plans to ensure a coordinated response to future hurricanes. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) has created a detailed Hurricane Survival Guide that provides residents with essential information on how to prepare for and respond to hurricanes. The guide includes steps for creating an emergency kit, developing a family communication plan, and understanding evacuation routes.

Federal and State Funding

In the aftermath of Sandy, the federal government allocated $26 billion to support recovery efforts in New Jersey. This funding has been used to rebuild damaged infrastructure, support community recovery programs, and enhance the state’s overall resilience to future storms. Additionally, over $13 billion from Congress’ infrastructure bill has been set aside to help New Jersey prepare for future climate disasters.

Community Engagement and Education

New Jersey has also emphasized the importance of community engagement and education in its hurricane preparedness efforts. The state encourages residents to stay informed about potential hazards through credible sources such as the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center. Public awareness campaigns and community workshops are regularly conducted to educate residents on the importance of preparedness and the steps they can take to protect themselves and their families.

Environmental Restoration

To further enhance its resilience, New Jersey has undertaken extensive environmental restoration projects. This includes the restoration of natural habitats in flood-prone areas by buying and demolishing hundreds of homes. These efforts help to absorb floodwaters and reduce the impact of storm surges on communities.

Lessons Learned

The experience of Superstorm Sandy has provided valuable lessons for New Jersey. The state has recognized the importance of proactive planning and investment in resilience measures. While the recovery from Sandy was uneven, with some communities facing greater challenges than others, the overall response has strengthened New Jersey’s ability to withstand future hurricanes.

Areas of Incomplete Preparation

Despite these efforts, there are areas where New Jersey has fallen short in its hurricane preparedness. Some critical flood control projects, such as those in Hoboken, were only recently started, more than a decade after Sandy. Additionally, about 700 of the 7,400 participants in the state’s main post-Sandy rebuilding project have yet to complete the program. The uneven recovery has left some communities, particularly those with fewer resources, more vulnerable to future storms. Furthermore, the state has faced challenges in fully addressing energy infrastructure vulnerabilities, with ongoing issues related to power loss and gas shortages during major storms. The Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC) has also struggled with preparedness, as it was knocked offline for almost three days during Sandy, causing over 840,000,000 gallons of untreated sewage to flow into the Passaic River, Newark Bay, and surrounding waters.While PVSC has made strides in recovery and resiliency, some planned projects, such as the construction of permanent flood walls and upgrades to the stormwater collection system, are still in progress.

In conclusion, New Jersey has made significant strides in preparing for future hurricanes through infrastructure improvements, utility upgrades, comprehensive emergency plans, federal and state funding, community engagement, and environmental restoration. However, the state still faces challenges in completing critical projects and ensuring an equitable recovery for all communities.

Sources:

FEMA Provides $10 Million to New Jersey for Climate Resilience Projects …. https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20221201/fema-provides-10-million-new-jersey-climate-resilience-projects-communities

Hurricane Ida Recovery One Year Later: New Jersey | FEMA.gov. https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/hurricane-ida-recovery-one-year-later-new-jersey

Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission. https://www.nj.gov/pvsc/

Five Years After Sandy PVSC Is The Model Of Resiliency And Recovery. https://www.nj.gov/pvsc/news/sandy/pdf/5%20_Years_After_Sandy_Fast_Facts.pdf

Two Months into Recovery, Federal Funding Tops $518 Million for New Jersey. https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20211112/two-months-recovery-federal-funding-tops-518-million-new-jersey

A Decade After Sandy, PVSC’s Quest For Maximum Preparedness Continues. https://www.nj.gov/pvsc/home/forms/pdf/2022_10YearsAfterSandy.pdf

Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission | Newsroom – The Official Web Site …. https://www.nj.gov/pvsc/news/sandy/

New Jersey: Newark Ironbound Resiliency Hub – FEMA.gov. https://www.fema.gov/case-study/newark-new-jerseyNR Storm Preparation and Emergency Planning – NJ Green Building Manual. https://greenmanual.rutgers.edu/nr-storm-preparation-and-emergency-planning/

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