SFGate

caseyem I have a basement workshop. I have installed all outlets and electric panels on trek lumber panels, hinged at the ceiling and raise them when flooding looms.

decoenthusiaste I'm way inland and we're just wondering what kind of "hay" some politicians will make of this "disaster!" Will they cancel the elections??? Be safe, guys and gals and pray that this monster is not "manmade!"

Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design Worry about you houzzers and the millions of others - human and animal - who are facing this imminent danger. Best to hope for not being in the path hardest hit and minimal fatalities over all. Many prayers coming your way from the Pacific Northwest.

lgiboyeaux I am In Southcentral PA. I've been in tropical hurricanes before...100+ miles/hr winds. I know this is not the same magnitude but one always has to prepare. I live inner city and winds are really picking up now. We did get all the essentials, canned foods, cooler, extra bateries...and with four teenagers in the house, if the power goes out, we'll tell stories and play monopoly.

judyg On Cape Cod about 400 yds from the ocean. We just took the usual storm precautions. One item that is so important is a generator. We invested in a good one; it tests automatically every week; is gas powered. No evacuation planned...where would we go? We are not unfamiliar with coastal storms. STAY INSIDE; do not go to look at the surf, as awesome as it is( right now we are at high tide). Get your pets in, too, please. My kitty is in my lap, asleep.

Emily: timely post. Thanks all for thinking of us.

sroushdy I'm in the Washington DC area ( just eight mi. from downtown), in Maryland. Besides the typical preparations, just waiting and hoping a tree doesn't fall on us or our neighbors.

dcer My best wishes are with everyone-stay safe!

judyg sroushdy, my daughter just left your area as she ran in the Marine Corps Marathon yesterday. All flights were canceled so she rented a car. She just called from Danbury CT and said the drive has been difficult. Hopes to arrive in Boston by 7. Worry, worry. She is 42! Mothers never stop.

olldcan I'm in Canada and were watching the Weather Network, just saw a clip of Long Island. We always cringe when we see our neighbours face these storms. Be safe all.

Leaf Design Studio We are from North Dakota, pretty chilly up here! Hope everyone says safe!

Virgil Carter Fine Art We are directly in the path and Sandy is projected to make New Jersey land fall around 730 PM tonight. It should be over us an hour or so after that. Winds of 60-75 mph, with 90-100 mph gusts are projected.

We will likely lose power and not have electricity for days. Hopefully we will not have tree damage. Fortunately, we have a generator, but getting enough gas for many day's use means being able to get out and travel roads, and to find a station with gas that is working. We do have extra food, flashlight batteries, and camping gear for cooking, light and warmth.

This is going to be a very big storm event. I hope damage and injury will be limited. Best to all!

olldbobbi I just saw Gov Chris Christie on CNN, apparently a few mayors of a few cities did not heed his warning and chose not to evacuate. Those cities are now in distress, according to him, and he stated these mayors are now fully responsible for all damage. Why don't they listen?

smasko I live in Michigan...and the winds are so strong right now!

FOCAL POINT STYLING Born and raised in New Jersey - now live in AZ.... But my mind, heart and prayers back east. Stay Safe from Sandy!

laurarobinson I'm in North East Ct. and it has been bad here most of the day and predicted to get worse. We don't have to worry about flooding here but we are surrounded by trees and we do have one that I am worried about. A big oak in the middle of the front yard. We did get all the outside furniture put away and stocked up on food,water, batteries and gas . We have a portable generator to power the house at the end of the storm IF we lose power. Still praying we won't need to use it but not looking good at this point. Here is what happened to a house in a neighboring town.

robynzdesinz Thoughts and prayers from New Zealand

caseyem Bobbi P - I live in NJ. Don 't believe everything you hear from Mr. Christie.

eztia Thoughts and prayers from New Mexico, USA.

olldbobbi caseyem, Why do you say that? He seemed really really mad on CNN. Can you tell us what is REALLY happening there? Where in New Jersey are you? I lived in Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County.

judyg Hey, Miss Bobbi P. The storm is weird. Daughter couldn't get out of D C by air, just called me and after driving more than 8 hours, arrived in Boston to find trees down and power out. As you know, I am on Cape Cod, so close to ocean, and, for the most part, am not experiencing what the rest of the East Coast up through NJ/PA is. It is kind of creepy. Yesterday, at the Boston College football game, all eyes were on the sky and not the teams. Multiple rainbows, yet we had no rain, and a strange disk of color with star points shooting out of the center.
Thanks, all, Emily has provided a great contact thread.

gymnaststar Nope- thankfully!

olldbobbi judyg, hang on tight! I'm so glad to hear your daughter made it to Boston safely. Do you think you're not experiencing the brunt of the storm because the eye has passed over you already? Or is there still more to come?

olldbobbi Safe wishes to everyone from Northern California! And then you all can pray for us after the next earthquake!!!

olldbobbi Do you think the Mayan's were on to something???

decoenthusiaste Although I don't live there, I manage a 6-bedroom vacation rental in Brigantine, across the Absecon Inlet from Atlantic City - just a few blocks from the beach. Praying it will survive - it is part of my livelihood! Will be waiting to hear how everyone on Houzz fared during the event!

judyg Are they not still with us? Let's ask them...'cause something in our weather has changed world-wide.

If you are my age and have lived in the same area all your life, you can certainly attest to major weather changes, When I was a kid, the Boston area had significant snow storms. Not so much now. On Cape Cod, we pay for home owner's insurance big time...close to ocean, flooding, hurricanes, etc. We have not had a major hurricane since '91. Yes, we have nor'easters, but I know of no one who has filed a big claim in years.

What scares me is when I see films of tornadoes or earthquakes Absolutely frightening. Anyway, it is so nice that everyone here has sent positive vibes our way. Thanks again.

janishill judyg...what town are you in? We lived in Rochester, just off the cape for some years, but now are in Norwood...about 10 miles WSW of Boston. We have power, but it is out two blocks over. Hubs has been in and out all day. Lots of trees down in our area. Strong wind gusts, rain. Nothing to be afraid of, yet. With the ground this wet and the strong wind gusts there will be a lot more trees coming down, thus more damage and flooding.

As a side note...I am from the south and usually there are tornados closer to the eye wall of a hurricane. I hope we don't see that with this one.

ptjo Be safe, our prayers are with all of you. I am an hour north of Toronto and the winds are incredibly strong.

ikwewe Southeast Michigan here, and lots of scary wind. High waves are predicted on the Great Lakes. Some of my relatives live near eastern Lake Superior and are prepping for high water.

Elyn's Library More prayers and safe wishes from northern California. Hope everyone stays as safe as you can.

judyg janishill, I am in Orleans. We just drove past your neighborhood via 128 on Saturday to go to the B C game.

The storm is finally over here and there has been some sun here and there. Our property fared well, but right down the street, on the Bay, the road was washed out and one house will take weeks to get back in shape. Traveling around will be difficult, but thankfully, no one was injured.

Again, thank you for all the good thoughts.

Amanda Simons In eastern West Virginia. We slept in the basement last night. Somehow we managed to keep our power and even a satellite signal most of the night. The only tree we lost was one that needed to come down anyway and luckily fell away from the house. The snow held off until this morning, but I have no idea if it's still snowing up there or not- according to the radar, we're near the line of rain/snow. (I'm at work in the valley and it's just rain.)

We were really lucky- the wind was incredible and I honestly do not know how we made it through the night without something falling on the house, let alone with power. Others were not so lucky. Keep those who have lost their homes and loved ones in your prayers.

puncturedbicycle My mother lives on the bay side of the barrier island in NJ about a five minute drive from Mantoloking, where the island was breached in two places and the bridge and many houses were washed away. I'm in the UK and am keeping an eye on it all for her as she evacuated and is still without power. After a tense wait of a few days when I couldn't find any news of her neighbourhood, I finally found an aerial disaster map photo showing her house still standing.

We don't yet know when she'll be able to get back to collect her things (officials are suggesting it might be months) and we think it will be 6-8 months before she can look at rebuilding.

The infrastructure is kaput; they will have to start virtually from scratch. The gas is off, the roads are out, the beach has been distributed all over the island, two out of three bridges are not useable, etc.

Obviously, the most important thing is that our family is safe - and I'm most definitely not taking this for granted because not everyone was so lucky - but the shock of the destruction, the worry of not knowing what is ahead, the sadness of seeing your town torn up, all these things are weighing very heavily at the moment.

olldbobbi I grew up in one of the NJ counties that Gov Christie just declared eligible for unemployment benefts, Middlesex County, Woodbridge Township. Does anyone have any info on this area? I still have an emotional attachment to my old house and I'd like to iknow if it's still standing.

devils77 Thanks for all the prayers, thanks to Houzz for the forum.. Power returning to some areas of NJ thanks to the NJ companies and power companies from all over the U.S. Met nice gentlemen from Indiana, Tennessee, Florida and the Ohio Buckeye state who came to help. They are out at all hours of the night and day trying to get power and heat restored. It is scary how reliant we are on gas and technology. Christie tells it like it is and people should have heeded his warnings. It is ashame that first respnders have to be put in harms way for those who did not evacuate. Prayers to all who have lost homes, businesses, family and friends. NJ & NY will hang tough and in time will be back!

puncturedbicycle @Bobbi P Facebook remains the best source of news for me. If you go there and experiment with putting some relevant words in the search box you may find a group who can tell you more.

My mother evacuated to New Brunswick and at the moment they still have no power as far as I know.

Nanette Baker of Interiors by Nanette On Long Island, one of the worst hit areas, still no power after 7 days and terrible gas shortages. Families and friends are bonding together to help each other during this difficult time, very cutoff from the world without tv, strange feeling to be in the midst of it and not see full coverage, only my local area. Without power and gas life has come to a complete standstill. Houzz is the best, we love you! Nanette

Doreen Roksvaag At Hunterdon County, NJ- about 8 of our mighty oak trees have fallen. Thank God they are not on our home! But they are on our shed (with John Deere + other stuff inside). Looking for ideas to rebuild a practical but fun shed. How do we go about giving back to Mother Earth the beautiful wooded lot that all in our neighborhood loved to walk by?

mmm215psu We are in Bergen county. These are the two huge trees in our back yard!

Anita Greifenstein I live on Long Island and am one of the 18% that had power immediately after the storm. My neighborhood has power lines underground. A tree hit the house and took down our chimney. We've patched it in the meantime until our contractor can come back to repair. He is just too busy right now with other homes that fared far worse. My home has become a charging station for our friends. Many of whom still have no power 7 days after the storm.

My son lives in Asbury Park, NJ. There is no fresh food or gas available. Curfews are in place from 7pm to 7am in some towns in NJ and Long Island. The gas stations in my area have run out of gas or have no electricity to pump gas. Gas is being siphoned from you if you go shopping without a locking gas cap. Security is patrolling parking lots. Monday is a the first day for many to return to work, but many do not have gas and cannot get to work. We will climb out of this slowly and for some people I know that live in Long Beach, the damage to their home have made it uninhabitable for some time. Long Island, a home to 1.1 million people has a small town feel these days. You can go shopping and everyone is friendly and conversations ensue just standing in line to pay. There are food stations for a free hot meal set up in every town, donations for food and clothing are accepted at many town halls. The communities have pulled together, neighbors helping neighbors, and we are grateful for the health and safety of our loved ones.

Lucia Torregiani I am in Coastal CT, we did the best we could to prepare, but a 100 ft Norwegian Spruce landed on my beautiful colonial, taking out my front porch and coming in through my roof into my bedroom, where I now have buckets collecting rain water, if it wasn't for the tarp I would have a skylight, 6 days no power, thankful for friends who took us in, and we are all safe, the rest is stuff and can be replaced and fixed. Now to help those who lost everything and must prepare for a cold New England winter ahead.

Kalian Companies We are a home building company headquartered a few miles inshore from the coastal towns devastated by Sandy. We are organizing our contractors and crews to begin rebuilding as people are ready. Our link is on Houzz.com under Kalian Companies. Meanwhile, members of our team will be found volunteering at various comfort centers in the area.

jacques976 i live in pa the storm has passed and that is good the aftermath is just beginning. you can plan for a lot of things but some you can't.generator to give power,camp stove to cook, heat to stay warm all can be planed. the trees falling and water flooding there is no plan.most of our lines are under ground the ones above came down. no electric for three days friends are still out six days later. all food thawed out and had to be gotten rid of.alot was lost but when you look around we are still here and safe we will fight back.

dyanel Still no power here in Laurel Hollow, Long Island, curled up in bed, on my iPad, looking at the Houzz website. Enough of the news, need some relief,. Love and prayers to my family, who have lost their homes,. Love and prayers to all who are struggling,. Stay positive,. We rebuild, we're NewYorkers,.
Hold on,. Love,.

olldbobbi puncturedbicycle, thank you so much for the suggestion, I will check on Facebook immediately!

333orbust From Huntington, Long Island here. The National Guard rolled in with humvees yesterday.. as gas places were expected to open, there was riots and 100 car lines, people were bbqing and hanging outside of their cars for hours in hopes that the gas would open. Not one hotel was available until the 16th! So, yesterday, after 6 days of camping with a 5 month old in our home, we decided to try to make it to NYC on less than a half tank of gas...

Here in America, our infrastructure is a JOKE! This was a category 1!!!!! If Long Island got it as bad as NJ it WOULD have been the apocalypse. When I called LIPA yesterday, they told me they weren't even THINKING of our area yet!! That it could be up to another week before we get our power back on.

Here's a good question, "Why are our power lines held up on poles made of sticks?", "If we're America, number one, how come we can't afford to send teams out before a storm to point out and secure poles or trees that are susceptible to damage beforehand?"

I just don't feel safe in NY or America in general anymore. I really don't . We just can't handle it. People act like animals because they know that our system is so backwards that they really might die waiting for help!

Events like this are happening more and more.. first it was far away, now it's on our doorstep.

ampascal My retired in-laws have a home in Long Beach, NY, they are feeling defeated and at a loss. Their house had 4ft of water and their fix income barely covers every day living cost. With no flood insurance coverage (flood insurance coverage not offered in Long Beach) they just feel like giving up. What can they do?

333orbust P.S. Romney = President

olldbobbi 333orbust, it's my personal belief all power lines should be underground. Not only does it look so much better but in times like this it makes a huge difference. George Lucas lives in one of the richest areas of California and even his power lines are above ground. He paid the city out of his own pocket to have them buried.

lswan21 Secondary house burned down at Jersey Shore,,,gladly everyone we know got out...sadly,,most of our areas homes are gone..BUT..we will rebuild,,,,,,,,just not as soon as we'd like. God bless everyone harmed by this nasty storm, and thank you for caring.

caseyem 333 or bust: Romney would eliminate FEMA and put all the burden on individual states. A storm like Sandy that affected 15 states illustrates why a coordinated federal response is appropriate. No individual state could bear the burden of responding to an event of this magnitude.

olldbobbi caseyem, I agree with everything you're saying. NJ is lucky to have a pro-active Gov like Chris Christie. I've invited him to come to California, because God knows we need him!

Deborah Butler, Brickwood Builders Please let's not make Houzz a political forum. There are other places for that. This is one sanctuary we have to get away from the political bickering and focus on a shared interest - residential design.

judyg Deborah, a good reminder. This election, more than any I can remember, is so heated. We all have such strong opinions that most often it is best to pull back or risk insulting or angering friends. I just completely agreed with a comment above, checked the "like" and but went back and erased it.

What is going to happen on Tuesday at the polls for those of you who are in such dire straits from the storm? If power is still out, will all those votes (assuming people can get to the polls) have to be counted by hand?

MIG Furniture Design, Inc. I live on Bedford Ave, Brooklyn NY, 400' from Emmons Ave, one of the most destroyed area... My pure car does not survive in this hurricane.... :( Everything else is seems like getting back to normal.

333orbust Yeah because FEMA came in and helped out all of the folks in Katrina right? lol. Okay. Well, I'm a libertarian and futurist. I'm not a huge fan of either evils in this election. When I say Romney = President, it's because.. that's probably what's going to happen. It's not my personal beliefs. I think our society as a whole is entirely backwards. If you really think about it. We live in a very Medieval way. Our calendars are wrong, our communities are built wrong, and our thinking is all wrong. We're a far cry from the civilization we need to be on this planet that's going haywire. Ask any genius, a true genius, or anthropologist about the way we live on this planet and the way we will live if we continue DOING THE SAME THING and REBUILDING THE SAME WAY. We have children!!!! Wake up and look alive! What we should be doing is not just worry about getting back to normal.. we have to worry about making strong choices about the future we're building for our children. Our future will not have the same resources we have and yet we are rebuilding to continue on our business-as-usual path. I don't believe Romney, Obama, or any patriarchal government structure will change unless you change first.

ampascal Amen

decoenthusiaste Our 6-bedroom vacation rental in Brigantine, NJ, suffered no damage. If you know of someone living or working in the area who needs temp housing, the owner is making it available. Let me know here and I'll get in touch or go directly to the site: www.vrbo.com/113589.

galleykitchengirl This article in the link I'm posting is confusing: talks about people BRINGING clothing etc., but seems like the best way to help is to text one of the numbers given, or mail in a donation, Read it, you'll see.

http://www.northjersey.com/news/Red_Cross_limiting_donations_to_cash.html

Some of the simplest ways to help, if you're local are to let other charge their phone on your power - loved ones are waiting to hear from the residents, and without a charged up phone, we can't.

Offer a neighborhood person your gas stove use, or a hot shower, or some time inside your powered house, or house using a generator for power. NO ONE likes to ASK, so OFFER.

wardwells24 Damage is unimaginable! And so widespread. We feel guilty here on West coast with
beautiful weather & sending prayers your way. Donate to Red Cross everyone.

janishill When we went through Hurricane Dean - a catergory 5 - while living in Belize. We had no running water, but had baby wipes and maintained ourselves as best we could. After 3 days, when we could get through, we went to check on our vet. When she saw us she offered to let us shower at her house. That was one of the kindest things anyone has ever done.

It doesn't take much, especially when people are suffering. Just reach out.

gdbydesign I am a new houzz member and I just want to say the show of concern, love and support really is wonderful. I am in NC, so we were not caught in the catastrophic effects of Sandy which gives us opportunity to give to those who were. But I want to thank the Houzz family for being so amazing! God bless you all.

yvonne_pinckney Thank you for the out pour of prayers and concern. We are inthe Trenton Lawrence Twsp. Princeton area of New Jersey and we were hit pretty hard. But many in the shoreline were hit the hardest! Bon Jovi Matt Lauer and a host of stars along with the Red Cross are working to raise money. Our area was out of power from Monday to Friday lost lives, food and homes. Some were inconvenienceed. But.but through the grace of God we are pulling through.

yvonne_pinckney Thank you for the out pour of prayers and concern. We are inthe Trenton Lawrence Twsp. Princeton area of New Jersey and we were hit pretty hard. But many in the shoreline were hit the hardest! Bon Jovi Matt Lauer and a host of stars along with the Red Cross are working to raise money. Our area was out of power from Monday to Friday lost lives, food and homes. Some were inconvenienceed. But.but through the grace of God we are pulling through.

yvonne_pinckney Just wanted to add this little note, it is amazing how intelligent our pets R. Our dogs let us know the storm was upon us and curled up and took refuge quietly with us. They remain quiet throughout the storm When does storm was over And we had no electricity They were extra ordinarily Well behaved Like professionally trained dogs! I think they were praying too And just grateful we made it through

akodat I am on Long Island, very hard hit. We have not gotten power back yet. We are lucky when we look at the neighborhoods around us. We are about 10 miles from historic Jones Beach, Long Beach (horrible), Freeport, I can go on & on. House are gone, boats on people's lawns, no water, food, clothing..................The gas lines.......never, not even in the 70's have I witnessed this. Over a mile long & sometimes when you pass the line & get to the station it is not even OPEN!!! they are just waiting in hope.................. Tomorrow I return to work after a week, they have power. We were able to score a generator, now just have to be able to get gas. Anyway just needed to vent a bit, grateful for what we have and willing to share. We brought food, coffee & tea to friends who were ripping out their basement. I saw ruined photo albums, just broke my heart..................

judyg Emily Hurley, you started this thread. Thank you for keeping us in touch on a personal level…Houzz is amazing!

dyanel Anyone who lives on Long Island, out there,. I finally got gas today, they'll have more tmmrw, Cold Spring Harbor,. Harbor rd,. Cold spring motors, next to the deli,. Only waited an hour, Westbury, Old Country Rd,. Next to the source mall, Valero and Gulf, Still no power in Laurel Hollow, I'm not leaving my dogs, fireplace keeping us warm. Me and my Labs. Just like camping. Holding on, stay well everyone,.

ecospaces We would like to offer our services to anyone who was effected by this storm. We hope that when you rebuild you will do it green, and we would like to provide you with discounted building materials through our store. Email ecospace@gmail.com www.EcoBuildingMaterials.com, and let us know your home has been damaged by the hurricane and we will offer you deeply discounted materials to rebuild.

mpn7cxc My husband and I were lucky to say the least. We sold our house on LBI NJ a week before Sandy hit after almost 40 wonderful years. Our dear neighbors were not so fortunate. Today will be the first day they will get a chance to return to the island but for only a few hours. They will need cleaning supplies, trash bags, and batteries. There will be no power for some time due to gas leaks. My heart and soul are with them.

olldbobbi mpn7ccx, sometimes timing is EVERYTHING! You both were very lucky.

Katerina Voulkidis This has been my best friend for 20+ years. They have been staying with me and my family since this all has happen due to the fact that several of their relatives have been affected as well. Please help in anyway possible, maybe for my friend and her Mom, if not for your own family, friends and neighbors. Many people are in need so either lend a helping hand in a demolition process, a hot shower, clean drinking water, clothes, a hot meal! All will help!

http://www.giveforward.com/fundraisingforthefolios?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fb_wall&utm_campaign=receipt&og_action=hug&fb_ref=426276

Emily Hurley Thank you to everyone for your updates, and thank you to those service providers stepping up to offer their help as well. Know that we are thinking of you all out there.

Please keep us posted as you are able!

Kevin Massie In Philly here and we didn't suffer much damage but hearing that we have to face a nor'easter in a couple of days. That's devastating for many who did suffer and are only getting back into their homes today. My heart goes out to them and hope that the coming storm does very little if any damage to them.

mrsben First of all, as a Canadian my thoughts are with those who have been affected by the wrath of Sandy and may you shortly rise above the challenges that face you.

As for those who are still without heat and power if it is any consolation, after receiving approval from your Government; as of last Wednesday Canada sent a large envoy of Hydro crewS that were dispersed to all five States (CT, MA, NH, NY and VT) to assist in restoring power. It has also been reported by 'our' News media though the initial arrangement was for a period of one week only, they have decided to remain to help .... so please if any of you are reading this .... just hang in there.

In closing; putting all Politics aside it is our small way of trying to help you as that is what neighbours do.

Footnote: Canadian areas affected by Sandy were those in -- the East Coast Atlantic Provinces, the Province of Quebec along the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes region stretching as far inland as Toronto Ontario.

Update: Re my comment above. As of Tuesday/Nov. 6th, an additional 145 Hydro workers from the Province of Ontario has been sent to the district of New Jersey. Our media is reporting; " a segment of our crews prior to this date have restored power to less than half of the nearly one million customers affected in the rural area of New Jersey alone".

mpn7cxc With a Nor'easter expected tomorrow and our east coast bare the strong efforts to fortify our eastern shore to date may be insignificant. The people on our coast and barrier islands are a hardy breed and know that Mother Nature reshapes, adds and subtracts at will. Though the loss has been great, her forces are what draw us to return, rebuild and cherish each day.

SPKCreative Abstract Art www.spkcreative.com Thoughts and prayers are with all Sandy Survivors.

I'm very thankful that all of my loved ones are safe; some of them are still without power or had their homes severely damaged or destroyed, but they're alive. Some of my neighbors in Mount Laurel are still without power, including the local elementary school. There are many people without homes or without power, and the Nor'easter is a major concern.

A lot of people did heed the evacuation orders. Others didn't for various reasons and were stuck riding out a storm for whose scale of destruction I have no words other than that we don't need any more tourists like Sandy coming through here ever again.

@Bobbi: parts of MIddlesex, including all of Woodbridge, are currently under a boil-water advisory. All 21 counties have been declared a disaster area.

@Houzzers from the Shore or who have loved ones there but haven't been able to check in person yet: access to the towns is still very limited, curfews are in place because of the lack of power and houses that seem like they're okay from photos doesn't necessarily mean that they are because the interior damage from flooding might be too great (FEMA is inspecting houses as quickly as they can). Sandy did a bad job of redecorating the shoreline--it's completely unrecognizable. Some towns, including Brick, just issued new evac orders ahead of the Nor'easter.It's difficult for me to get to you right now because of the gas shortage, but please email me at spkcreative@gmail.com if there's some way that I can help you, even if it's just fresh-baked cookies and a hug. Jersey Strong!

@Houzzers who are wondering about the elections: Gov. Christie is allowing voters to do their civic duty via email and to vote at other polling places http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/11/new_jersey_votes_guide_to_poll.html . NY and CT voters, click here for info http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/06/nyregion/where-to-vote-in-new-york-new-jersey-and-connecticut.html?_r=0 . Not sure about the other states, but legal analysts are already predicting multiple challenges to the outcome regardless of what level the election is at (local, state, national) because of the voting location issues.

Emily will know more about this, but I think Houzz will have more Sandy resource info soon.

Be safe, warm and happy,
Shari

Holiday shop and do good at the same time:
50% of profits from the following sites from November 2, 2012 to December 31, 2012 will be donated to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean in honor of Sandy Survivors. The current tally is US$18.00 and I hope to raise at least US$1000.00.
Shari P Kantor Abstract Art: http://www.spkcreative.com
SPKCreative Fabric and Wallpaper Line: http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/spkcreative
SPKCreative Stationery Line: http://www.zazzle.com/spkcreative*

upenritz be safe and be strong.......hope and courage is wat u need to face the hardest of obstacle.....

Am Construction Service Inc wishes you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Marina Rubina, Architect In the past couple of years we have been working with PreFab and Modular systems on developing high-quality, affordable and "green" homes in New Jersey. Our test case house won the NJ American Institute of Architects 2012 Residential Design Award. Our hearts go out to the people devastated by the Hurricane and we hope that our solutions could help rebuild our shore communities quickly and sustainably. We are currently volunteering to develop home prototypes that could be built in 3-6 month from start to finish. If you have been affected by Sandy and will be looking to rebuild, please let us know what elements or features should an ideal home prototype include. Also, please let us know if you would like to get a new prototype home installed on your property as a test case. Please feel free to leave comments here or contact us directly through our website: www.mrubina.com.

jessinjersey Hi everyone, I've just signed up here because our house got flooded during Sandy. We are trying to look at it as an opportunity and we did not get as badly hit as many did. Right now we have no floor (just the sub floor), 2 ft of sheetrock is gone throughout the whole house, and no heat! (Plus my office in Jersey City is still dislocated!).

But, like I said, we're trying to see this as a chance to make our house better.

Hope to see you all around!

Emily Hurley Hey, JessinJersey. Welcome! Sorry to hear you had damage, but great that you are taking a positive away and making the most of it. Definitely keep us posted on your progress!

Am Construction Service Inc Look...everything needs time and and all humans need patience! So in order to get time, you should start by getting patience!

Am Construction Service Inc When you can talk various topics with one person, then you made a friend!

Am Construction Service Inc There are several places you can search for if you need help with AM Construction Service Inc, Basement finishing ideas. Before you push on any ideas, bear in mind a few things. If your basement is damp and cold, you will have to get repairs done before starting with your basement renovation. Great basement ideas will only go to waste if you weren’t able to fix any existing conditions that build up molds on your walls. Molds will not only ruin your investment on your basement finishing in the look run, but will also ruin the look. Moreover, molds also cause serious health hazards, especially for those who are asthmatic.

pattydeg2459 I am new to Houzz since our house in Toms River NJ was flooded in hurricane Sandy. I have been using the sight to get ideas and it is really helpful.

Emily Hurley Hi Patty, Glad it ha been helpful for you. Sorry to hear you were impacted by the storm!

Am Construction Service Inc Hi Patty, you need help i help you.

bango0318 Yes, this whole experience is exhausting, overwhelming and very disheartening. I purchased my home eight years ago and redecorated every room in the house since, having taken the eight years to do so, in between juggling kids around, working, trying to find the time to spend with my wonderful wife and dealing with everything else life entails. Now, Christmas upon us, no home to call our own as of yet, hiring people to rebuild your home, because i don't have the time to do it myself, just so we can move back in. Rather than taking the time it takes normally to redecorate, hurry up and get it done, so we can move back and have some kind of normalsy. Then after working going and checking on the hired contractors progress and noticing, the baseboard isn't quite right, or the spackle job wasn't finished. Having to rely on other people, but not being able to trust them. Feeling like i have to stand there and watch them to do it right, i might as well do it myself. I"m not a designer or contractor and are willing to pay, there is no compitantsy anymore, no pride in worksmanship. its a shame then they want to get paid. One quote given, then almost double, because a few extra walls had to be opened. What about the pipe that was cut into, nobody paid me to get it fixed. Very frustrating. And i have insurance. Where is the adjustor that says, "Hey, we have you. Take care of your home and family and just give us the bill, we will take care of it." No, save all receipts, take pictures of everything, itemize everything, then download into this computer system, fax it or e-mail it to us then we will get back to you. Thanx but who pays for all the work right now? Thanx for listening, Just venting, Happy Holidays everyone.

Jessica Simone Hello. I live in Babylon Village on Long Island in New York. We lost our home from Hurricane Sandy. Thankfully we have a home to rebuild however we've had to breakdown the whole home due to significant mold damages from the water inside our home. We are presently living in a trailer with our 4 children and hope to be back in our home around March or April. It's a very trying experience that I do not wish on anyone. We try to remember that we are luckier than others who have lost homes and lives. We have something to rebuild.

Eileen Young hi, i live in Breezy Point NY and we were devastated by Sandy. Our whole neighborhood looks like a war zone. On top of losing our homes and being displaced, we are at the mercy of the government to help us. Insurance companies don't want to pay even though several of us had good insurance and the Mayor has put together rapid repair to assist us, but it has so many flaws that its only causing more aggravation for all of us. We are all dealing with so much paperwork for all the claims we have to have as well as spending money as if it were monopoly money because of our living situations. Personally, I haven't had one possitive encounter towards putting our home and our lives back together and i know i am far from being alone with this feeling. We have had many of wonderful people that came and donated their time and efforts to help us gut our homes and these people didn't expect anything in return. Yet we are paying the people Mayor Bloomberg has put together with this organization and they are awful with communication. waiting full days for them to show and they never come. It 's all so mentally and physically draining. We need to move forward, but before we can do that we need basic, simple answers. Your site is beautiful. Maybe one day i will have a house ready for my 3 children to return to.

epepster We have also experience major damage to our home, and now are trying to put it back, and yes we have insurance. Everyone wants their payments up front, 1/2 down half when finished. Who has that kind of money? Finally hired a Public Adjuster, because my cousin recommended that as a help to navigate all the .....can't think of a nice word....let see "government stuff". Just found out that we are in the FEMA V zone, yet we do not live on the water, and did not experience 3ft waves, or velocity damage. So along with all of this our insurance will be very expensive, probably lowering our value of our home after it is finished. Government is Never Ever effective in this kind of thing. Our Military is the only thing my taxes are good for...all the rest is disheartening. I pray all off us can just stay calm, and not let this upset us unduly. And one last thing if one more person says " it's only stuff" I will scream. This was my home, my children grew up in this home, my parents (who are gone) spent time in this home, birthdays, holidays, memories. So it is not our stuff that is so hard, it is our routines, our memories and we just need to have time to adjust but there is none, because we have to fear that our insurance will not really pay, that what we thought was reality is really not, that we are being "screwed" pardon the vulgarity. We still need to work, and we still have to be available to the contractor. Just am too tired to express myself properly. Once again "this too shall pass" but I must admit, aside of watching my parents failing health and passing, this has been a very sad, exhausting experience. I am praying for all of you.

Eileen Young we also hired a public adjuster, you need a law degree to deal with the insurance people...ugh....i understand your fustrations, i have such a hard time coming up with the politically correct words at times. just want to scream sometimes. This too shall pass is something i seem to say too often. its hard to imagine ever having it all back together. i wish you, your family and your neighbors all the best, and i hope time will pass quickly enough that we will all see happier days soon. I know its even more heart breaking with the loss of your parents. sending my prayers as well. i enclosed a picture of my disaster as well

bango0318 yes, i am grateful that my house is still standing, just very overwhelmed and tired of even talking about it. tired of being tired up, all hours of the night spackling and painting trying to keep organized. now going through the bags and boxes of stuff i thought could be salvaged. i have two pods in my driveways, a nice luxurious walk in closet, lol, where my clothes are contained, the other, any furniture i thought i may be able to keep. anyway just heard that the pods are not covered by insurance, lol, wow i should have just thrown out everything and that would have been covered. comical. anyway, goodluck to you all, like they say, this too shall pass. God Bless.

Eileen Young i think everyone is at their boiling point now. i can't believe they aren't covered. i'm sorry, but can't say i'm really all that surprised. why do we bother with insurance, they don't cover you when needed. UGH so frustrating. i wish you and your loved ones all the best as well. I've been saying This too shall pass as well..........we have to believe in something. try to clean your things, including wood with distilled vinegar. God Bless

epepster My biggest crisis was my kids baby pictures that I was sure were safe, only to find that they were in nice IKEA boxes, but that they were on the bottom shelf of my book cases, but I did save them, so I am grateful. Thank you for your kind words, actually this is one of those experiences unless you experience it is hard to understand. Sorta like losing a loved one, until you experience the lose you can only feel for the person but it is hard to truly empathize. However, when the next disaster strikes I WILL be one of those people traveling to help, because now I know truly know their needs. I am not a big government person, personally if I could live without their interference I would on every level. But you can buy insurance for flood with out going through FEMA, and your mortgage company requires it, so you are caught in their web. They should be ashamed.