Brick to Start Surveying Sandy-Affected Neighborhoods Monday

Brick Township professionals will begin a survey of Sandy-affected neighborhoods Monday, officials have announced.

The goal of the inspections will be to "understand damages experienced from Superstorm Sandy," the township said in a statement.

This goal of the inspection process will be exploring ways to strengthen and protect infrastructure as well as individual properties against future natural hazard impacts, such as wind, flood, and wildfire.

The township has contracted with engineering firms to address property damage.

"Over the next several weeks these professionals will be assessing neighborhoods impacted by Superstorm Sandy by going house to house," said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis. "Residents know and understand best what impact sandy and other natural events have had on their home, street and neighborhood. Participation and cooperation is vital to our success in fortifying our community."

Credentialed staff will be visiting with residents to discuss natural hazard-related impact issues, document damages and gather information on other potential hazards, the township said.

Residents are not required to allow access to the inside of their homes, however, it would be useful in some cases. Residents will also be provided contact information for the personnel dedicated to their section of the township.

The professionals "will be able to clearly identify themselves as working on behalf of the township," Acropolis said. "In order to best protect private property and township infrastructure, residents should share knowledge and feel free to ask questions."

Objectives of this effort are to:

• Assess damage.
• Gather input from the public regarding risk to natural hazards.
• Gather input from the public to begin identifying potential mitigation measures.

These objectives cannot be accomplished without input from property owners, officials said. Some example questions they will ask include:

• How deep was flooding here during Sandy?
• Do you remember how long cars could not pass?
• How often does this street flood?
• Does the road become impassable?
• What do you believe is the source / cause of the flooding?
• Are there any other hazards we should know about?

Residents with questions should consult the township Sandy recovery website, at www.bricktownship.net/sandy-recovery-information.