To the Editor:

In our shore communities, disaster preparedness isn’t theoretical; it’s personal. Flooding, storm surge and extreme weather are facts of life along our coast. An estimated 38% of properties across Ocean County are at risk of flooding in the years to come.

That’s why recent reports about proposed cuts to FEMA’s workforce of as much as 50% are so alarming. FEMA isn’t just a relief agency that shows up after a storm.

January 14, 2026