Barnegat Township and Patch Get 5 Stars

Since many can remember, the NJ coast has not seen a direct hit from a hurricane in many many years. Last week as we all saw on TV, the internet, Nixle etc. we were all warned that Hurricane Irene was set to make land fall directly on the NJ shore.

Once everyone learned of this storm that would devestate us, our township officials jumped into immediate action with contigency plans. Led by Our Township Committee, Administrator David Breeden activated the OEM plan.

Shelters were planned for what would be many areas of Barnegat to be evacuated, including myself. Our outstanding police dept. was ready and activated all necessary components to assure that all of us would be safe. They informed us constantly via Nixle what was happening. Our two fire departments were staffed and on the ready for any fires, wires down, MVAs, etc., as well as our volunteer EMS squad and quality medical transport if needed.

Our department of public works did an extraordinary job making sure that any trees down in our roadways would be cleared immediatly. Volunteers staffed the shelter set up at the Brackman School. Even our water and sewer department were on hand. Now thats what I call teamwork, and most of all, proper preparation.

Once Hurricane Irene reached our shores everyone in harms way had been evacuated and everyone was on call. An outstanding phenomenal job done by all.

Now for Barnegat Patch. Graelyn Brashear, editor, Brick editor David Nee and the entire staff kept us all informed with up to the minute information as well. The Hurricane Preparation List formed by David was essential and perfect! We all knew the route of the storm with geographical maps and expert opinions.

Many people in our town complain about this and that. We have a great town and the past 5 days proved that 100+ percent. There was teamwork by all departments for our safety.

My family and I and many many other residents I have spoken to before writing this blog have simply said David Breeden, Township Administrator, our Committee led by Mayor Jeff Melchiondo, BPD, Stations 11 & 12 FD, EMS, QMT, DPW, Water & Sewer and all volunteers gets 5 stars, and also Graelyn and the other Patch staffers get 5 stars for all the updates.

If I may offer one piece of advice to all residents, Please go to www.NIXLE.com and register for all alerts regarding Barnegat Towship. It is an excellent source of information. Also if you have any special needs, Bed Confined, Walker, Oxyegen Dependent etc.,  please fill out a Barnegat Police Dept. Special Needs Form. The ADA Committe,also has started making arrangements to go into the senior communities as well to register people.

Thank you all and may God bless the residents and staff of Barnegat Township.