For Immediate Release:
August 30, 2017

Statement Regarding Hurricane Harvey
Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry details how to help Texas residents

FREEHOLD, NJ – “On behalf of Board of Chosen Freeholders, I offer our heartfelt sympathies to the residents of Houston and the numerous surrounding communities who are suffering in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

 

Just five short years ago, Superstorm Sandy ravaged our beautiful Monmouth County shoreline, thrusting our residents into a battle against Mother Nature and a complex and burdensome Federal aid and flood insurance system. Our communities are resilient and through hard work and perseverance our Jersey Shore has come back better than ever.

 

The many lessons learned during Sandy can serve as a blueprint now for the recovery of Texas. We remember how incredibly helpful surrounding municipalities, cities, and states were in providing much needed help to affected areas. We were humbled by the outpouring of support and we will never forget how grateful we were for those who stepped up with labor, food, infrastructure support, or monetary donations.

 

Now it is time for New Jersey to lend a hand. Our state’s own Task Force – 1, trained in National Urban Search & Rescue procedures is already on the ground in the Lone Star state. The Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management under the direction of Sheriff Shaun Golden and OEM Coordinator Mike Oppegaard, has been monitoring the situation in Texas and has received word on how best we can help those in need.

 

The American Red Cross at www.redcross.org has been working to collect financial and other assistance and the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) at www.nvoad.org is also coordinating efforts for those looking to provide aid.

 

In addition we have seen numerous local organizations, including churches, service organizations, and schools putting together care packages to send to the area as well as individuals stepping up to help foster displaced animals from the region. Be sure to thoroughly research independent organizations before donating any money or providing your financial information.

 

I know I speak for my fellow Freeholders when I say we are so proud of our communities and the selfless way our residents have responded to our fellow Americans in need. Thank you.”

 

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