Grab ‘n’ go visits start to storm-damaged N.J. homes

Residents of some of the Jersey shore communities that were hardest hit by Superstorm Sandy are being escorted back onto the barrier islands to briefly retrieve belongings before leaving again.

So-called “controlled returns” were under way Friday morning for residents of Toms River, Berkeley, Seaside Heights, Mantoloking and Long Beach Township.

 

Residents say they’ve been told they have an hour to grab what they can before being bused back off the islands.

Justine Fricchione says her family made a list and will split up as soon as they get indoors to grab as many items on it as they can.

Warm winter clothing tops the list. Temperatures were at or near the 60s before the storm. It’s now in the 30s and many evacuees are wearing light clothing.