Interview with Cheryl Mara, August 26, 2013

Interview Summary

Mara talks about how she thought the storm was made out to be more than it was when she first heard the warnings. This lead her to stay in her house when everyone was supposed to evacuate. Mara describes how quickly the water was rising the day of the storm and how the police department rescued her and her family in boats. She also discusses how she managed to go to her neighbor's in-law's house after leaving hers.

Mara describes the emotions that she and her family experienced after the storm. She also describes the anger that the people of the community are still experiencing because of the devastation that Hurricane Sandy brought upon them. Mara describes the help she received from the police, fire, and first aid. She also discusses how people were looting empty and destroyed houses affected by Hurricane Sandy. Mara discusses the aid she received from community groups and churches. She talks about trying not to take many resources in order to allow those who were more affected to take more. She says she did not qualify for government aid from FEMA.

Mara describes ways in which such disasters could be avoided. She also tells that she plans to prep her house for a storm of this nature after she gets it back to a livable condition. Mara believes that the media portrayal was not realistic and not true to what was really going on. Mara discloses her thoughts on both President Obama and Governor Christie's appearance after the storm. She also describes how amazing it was to have the country and even places overseas being so supportive in this tough time.

Interview Keyword

pets preparation facebook rescue aid generator FEMA media Barack Obama Chris Christie insurance supplies Tzu Chi Foundation police prevention

Interview LC Subject

Hurricane Sandy, 2012 Wall Township (N.J.) Union Beach (N.J.)

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Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.