Impact Of Sandy, Hurricane Harvey Raises Concerns For New Jersey Residents

BRIGANTINE, N.J. (CBS) — As Hurricane Harvey bears down on the Texas Gulf Coast, residents at the Jersey Shore ponder their own state of preparedness for a major storm should it hit the region.

In some shore neighborhoods hit hard by Super Storm Sandy, like along Bayshore Ave in Brigantine, the recovery isn't over.

"I'm still working on things, how many years later? Almost 5 years later," says Dennis O'Connor.

About 400 homes and businesses in Brigantine suffered substantial damage from Sandy.

Brigantine mayor Phil Guenther says while a category 2 or larger hurricane would be a disaster, the city has done millions of dollars in safety improvements since Sandy.

Hurricane Harvey A Category 3 Storm, With Winds Up To 120 MPH

That includes new storm water pumps to drain roads and higher bulkheads to prevent bay flooding.

Around town almost 200 homes have been raised up to much taller elevation standards.

"Elevation is the best protection obviously against flooding and we've embarked on the mitigation projects which is pumping and bulk-heading," says Guenther.

Atlantic County officials say they are also better storm-prepared since Sandy, using grants to stock pile emergency supplies for shelters and rescuing flood victims.

"What makes the job a little difficult is the unknown but we're going to do what we have to do," says Atlantic County Emergency Manager Vince Jones.