As restoring power drags on, New Jerseyans line up for generators

Many New Jersey residents who are still without power are hoping not to spend another night in the dark.

Dozens of people looking for generators and batteries for flashlights lined up before daybreak Friday outside the Home Depot store on Route 70 in Brick Township.

George Rowe hasn’t had electricity in his home since Monday, but is trying to maintain a positive outlook.

“It’s tough but you know I got gas. I got hot water,” said Rowe. “My wife and I and my daughter are muddling through. We got candles. We got a gas fireplace so

that’s keeping some heat in the house. That’s keeping us warm.”

Rowe considers himself fortunate. He says his home had a little flooding but nothing like the people closer to the bay who lost everything when Hurricane Sandy devastated their neighborhood.

Keith Roettger lives in Brick Township and was looking for a generator.

“It’s cold. It’s not easy but what I’m really happy about is my house is standing. I just talked to a guy yesterday who floated up to my dock in a boat and his house in Mantoloking

on the beach is gone,” said Roettger.

Gov. Chris Christie is slated to tour Brick later in the day.