Storm & Security

___ Surviving Sandy | by Howard Shingle | Preparation, mitigation play key roles. ___ In many cases the destruction was complete. Homes were destroyed, washed off their foundations and, for some, out into the sea. The combination of hurricane-force winds, storm surge and inland flooding brought about by the 1,000-mile wide Superstorm Sandy left hundreds dead and millions homeless or without power. All across the Northeast, the storm took its toll. In Seaford, NY, ocean waves tore through homes along the coast. In Fairfield Beach, CT, homes were washed off their foundations leaving only rubble behind. In Westerly, RI, beach homes were left wobbling on shaky pilings. All along the New York coastline numerous homes were damaged or destroyed by Sandy���s winds and storm surge. As big and as powerful as it was, Sandy was not a major hurricane. It came ashore as a Category 1 hurricane on October 29 near Atlantic City, NJ. About 30 miles to the south is Sea Isle City, an oceanfront resort in historic Cape May 12 STORM & SECURITY PROTECTION / IBS PREVIEW 2013 County. Sea Isle City suffered much at the hands of Sandy. At the end of November a state of emergency still existed because of electrical and infrastructure problems. Because of extensive hurricane damage, the city���s police department and city hall were relocated to an empty public school building. Yet, among all the damage there is a success story. New Jersey Survivor Two years ago, the owners of a 24-unit oceanfront condominium in Sea Isle City wanted to protect the property from the typical three Nor���easters that hit the New Jersey coast each year. These storms, which usually occur between October and April, can bring heavy snow and rain on gale force winds greater than 58 miles per hour. They also can produce rough seas, coastal flooding and beach erosion. The property���s 24 units each had two windows, one swing door and one sliding door on the building���s eastern elevation��� the side facing the Atlantic Ocean and the brunt of any

• Cover