Health & Fitness
Planning for the Next One: Post Sandy Observations and Suggestions
A Matawan resident's opinion on how the town could better prepare for the next Sandy.
All these ideas may not be feasible but are certainly worth looking into. I am sure there are other ideas out there. So, please share them. The Matawan Police, Fire Department, First Aid Squad, Department of Public Works, mail carriers, good Samaritans and even Future Sanitation did remarkable jobs before, during and after the storm. Walgreens was a lifesaver too. Matawan can be proud of all the residents who showed up for the town hall meeting. As furious and frustrated as everyone was, it was a relief that civility prevailed and a riot did not break out.
1) Auxiliary power for essential services
The most obvious shortcoming of the borough of Matawan was the lack of auxiliary power at the borough hall, police station and firehouses. Yes, it's going to cost money, but if Matawan residents are not willing to pay for it, shame on us. Maybe it's time for some supplemental solar power at these locations.
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2) Postal notifications
Mailings with contact names and numbers, addresses of where to keep warm, get help, food, water, ice, etc. A gentleman brought this up at the Town Hall meeting. Facebook and the Patch are great, but not if you don't have internet access or power to get to the internet.
Find out what's happening in Matawan-Aberdeenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
3) An informational whiteboard at the municipal center would also be great
4) Solar powered street lights
It wouldn't have to be all of them, but one every 500 feet or so would provide some safety and comfort at night in times of a total power failure.
5) An escalation task force
To escalate on behalf of the mayor and OEM issues such as major power outages to the utilities and the governor's office - a group to take names and kick some butt.
6) “Official” volunteers
To look in on the elderly and disabled in town that might not have anyone to check up on them.
7) A designated location where residents could bring downed limbs and trees where other residents could come and take to use as firewood.
8) A local comfort station/distribution location
It was advised at the town hall meeting, Matawan can not have one due to certain regulations. Let's demand and fight for one.
9) Coordination and cooperation between adjacent towns to share resources and information.
