Interview with Robert Pulsch, May 16, 2013

Interview Summary

Pulsch talks about taking over his father's plumbing business. He also states that his father gave him and his wife a lot of land as a wedding gift on which Pulsch built his house. Pulsch compares Hurricane Donna and Hurricane Sandy stating that Donna was more violent, therefore, he didn't take Hurricane Sandy warnings seriously. Pulsch describes preparing for the storm with a generator and having his family together. He also states that he believes there was adequate warning for the storm yet he decided not to leave his home. Pulsch describes raising his tools and his furniture before the water came in. He also was still able to cook because of his gas stove. Pulsch discusses his cellar being fully submerged in water after the storm hit. He also describes his losses, including some expensive power tools. Pulsch describes how quickly stores reopened in his area. He also mentions the long gas lines and finding a gas station in New Brunswick with no gas lines which was extremely rare at this time. Pulsch describes how horrible of an experience he had with his homeowners insurance. Fortunately, he was able to receive money from his flood insurance. Pulsch talks about how the police worked around the clock after the storm. He also feels FEMA was a good source for help. Pulsch praises both the president and the governor for their involvement. He also was amazed at the response from the rest of the country during their time of need. Pulsch discusses the plans in his area that are being prepared in case of future natural disasters. He believes that global warming had a big part in the occurrence of Hurricane Sandy.

Interview Keyword

preparation aid destruction disasters cleanup

Interview LC Subject

Middletown (N.J.) Port Monmouth (N.J.) Hurricane Sandy, 2012

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Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.