VOA常速英语:New Jersey Residents Prepare for Another Storm

BRICK, NEW JERSEY — Another storm is bearing down on the already compromised northeastern U.S. States. Once again, the residents evacuate their homes. People in Brick, New Jersey are facing another potential disaster - coming so soon after the highly destructive superstorm Sandy.

"Everything inside is gone. Everything is gone," she said.

A week has passed since Hurricane Sandy ruined Julia Stongvila's home. She has been preparing for this new storm with her son Joe. They paid the price for not doing so last time.

"All the cards I had from the 50s, they're done. Just done. Just completely done," said her son.

Many neighbors had similar experiences. Some lost everything. But one house, was barely touched. Not even evacuated.

"We went to sleep at 2 o'clock in the morning thinking there will be a couple of inches of water in the house. But I got up about 4 and to my amazement there was no water anyplace," said John Gianntonio.

With this coming storm, John and his wife Cheryl will have to leave. The mayor issued a mandatory evacuation.

"People are scared, and they do know that they have to get out and take it seriously," said Wendy Akropolis, the mayor's wife.

They have barely recovered from one disaster and another may be on its way. But Wendy says superstorm Sandy taught them one thing.

"It was amazing how people came together. I mean that’s what touches you the most is that so many people came out to help and not asking any questions," she said.

There isn't much property left to damage in Brick. But officials hope the mandatory evacuation will save lives.