Interview with Sal Cortale, June 19, 2013

Interview Summary

Cortale describes his many roles as executive director of Project Paul. Also, he explains that he enjoys working with this non-profit organization and talks about the areas in which Project Paul distributes its help towards. Cortale explains that his first time hearing about the storm, he was not expecting too much from it. Even though nicknamed "Frankenstorm," Cortale barely prepared for the storm to come. Cortale explains the horrors he witnessed during the first day of the storm. Cortale reveals that he considers Project Paul to be a "mini-FEMA" for the community. He also shares that his organization gave help with clothing money to pay rent, and also food during their time of need. Cortale explains how he was lucky enough to fill up both his and his wife's cars with gas before the storm. Therefore, he did not have to deal with too much of the gas shortage chaos. Although it took a while for the service to start back up, some people are still having to pick up their mail from their nearest post offices. Also, Cortale talks about the trash clean up and describes the volunteers who helped during that time. Cortale describes his feelings on what he thought could be done to prevent such superstorms, such as the building of barriers. Cortale describes that things have almost returned back to normal, but not quite. Cortale discusses his interpretations of the message from the storm being to let go of negativity and come together as a community. He also believes people should be more educated on global warming and climate change to prevent such horrible storms in the future.

Interview Keyword

Project Paul Damage FEMA Insurance Clean up Chris Christie

Interview LC Subject

Hurricane Sandy, 2012 Keansburg (N.J.)

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Interview Usage

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