Perhaps you heard about it on the news or read about it in the newspaper. Maybe you are many miles away and had no idea about the brutal nor'easter that dumped a month's worth of rain on Fairfield New Jersey and surrounding towns last weekend. A state of emergency was declared by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in Fairfield, New Jersey.
Not only did this relentless storm take down trees and cause power outages, an estimate of 250 homes were affected, causing over 40 residents to be evacuated from their homes (especially along the Passaic River), while others opted not to evacuate and ride out the storm. Many local low lying roads were barricaded and detoured while officials urged the public to stay out of Fairfield in an attempt to control traffic. It wasn't long before Fairfield was reduced to gridlock with everyone needing to go somewhere but getting absolutely no where.
Some houses not directly affected by the water still impacted the residents because they were unable to leave their homes because the flooding created an "island" effect around their properties. With help from The National Guard, these residents were assisted with a "way out" other than by treading in up to knee deep water or by boat.
Amazingly, like the calm after the storm and while residents of Fairfield and business owners struggle to put their life back together; the Fairfield Public Schools remained closed; residents picking up sand bags; bottled water; bags of lime and clean-up kits from the Department of Public Works; the sun was shining bright, outside temps reaching 70°+ daily, just like a beautiful spring day. It was, in fact, the calm after the storm in Fairfield, NJ.
Quoting a 40+ year resident of Fairfield, New Jersey, "The water has to go somewhere. You put a donut in a cup of coffee - what happens? It overflows."
Serving the Communities of West Essex and a Resident of Fairfield too,
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