Brick Township Launches Hazards Mitigation Surveys [AUDIO]

An Ocean County community is hiring three engineering firms to conduct in-depth surveys of Superstorm Sandy home damage to come up with a natural hazards mitigation plan.

Brick Mayor Steve Acropolis says staffers will be going door to door in Sandy-damaged areas taking pictures, looking at foundations and collecting data from residents.

Acropolis says the survey will make it easier for property owners to give FEMA the information it needs when applying for certain second-round grants.

It could help the township come up with other mitigation options, such as in one senior village.

"We may be able to go with a mitigation project there that will allow us to put up some type of retaining wall or a sea wall behind people's homes so they may not have to elevate their homes," Acropolis said.

He says the data can also be used to help the Brick get federal funding for mitigation projects.

"These professionals will be able to clearly identify themselves as working on behalf of the township," according to Mayor Acropolis.

According to a township press release:

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

For answers to questions about Brick Township's Mitigation Assessment and Strategy, residents are encouraged to visit the township's mitigation webpage.