Crisfield prepares for hurricane Joaquin

Crisfield city manager Rick Pollitt says, “We’re preparing for the worst.”

Crisfield is a low lying sea-front city. The threat of flooding frequently looming, which is why they don’t take threats like hurricane Joaquin lightly.

Pollitt continues, “We’re going to be making sand available for people if they want or need sand bags to protect their property.”

The city is also providing places to park. Pollitt says Crisfield has opened Carvell Hall, an old factory where people can leave their cars.

He says they’re encouraging folks to use these types of resources, especially after so many suffered devastation following Superstorm Sandy in 2012. 

Pollitt goes on, “You don’t want to see that again. Many of the areas haven’t been rebuilt.”

Wayne Townsend’s home is still being repaired. He says, “I lost part of my shingles, my roof leaked, and inside got messed up quite a bit.”

47 ABC ran into Townsend as he was grabbing last minute groceries on Thursday. He took us by his home to see the damage from Sandy. He had to get a new roof, windows, and walls. He’s doing the work all on his own. 

That’s part of the reason why he’s making sure he’s ready if the weather gets serious this time around. 

He says he’s storm-proofed his house and even has a military duffle bag filled with emergency equipment. He’s leaving nothing to chance.  

Townsend says, “I have a first aid kit, flash light, extra batteries, canned goods, heat lamps, and a gas stove for cooking with”

Additional parking and sandbags will be available for Crisfield residents throughout the week. Officials say they will continue to monitor the storm.