Helmetta residents are still cleaning up two days after Hurricane Henri caused flooding in the city. And most of them are still waiting for their gas and electricity connections to be restored.
There are dumpsters along Railroad Avenue containing the ramshackle belongings of the owners. There are mud washers and dryers, stoves, furniture, and more after the water fills their homes.
The cellar of the Kayleigh Dolinski is filled with six feet of water. He says he lost a lot there.
"Water heater, oven, washing machine, dryer, freezer and whatever else we had in the basement," he says.
The friends came to pour whatever items they could save. Dolinski says she is grateful that the water didn't reach her first floor. She says the goal is to restore energy so that her family can go back to sleep at home.
"Now that the water is from our basement, they can come in and change our meter," he says. "My entire panel was under water, so I guess it needs to be replaced. Until this is done, I cannot have any electricity.
Helmetta is only 1 square mile in size. The area is bordered by Helmetta Pond to the north, Manalapan Creek to the south and ancient blueberry swamps and wetlands to the west. Neighbors say peat bogs and wetlands send water to John Street during storms.
Residents of neighboring Spotswood donated to the Helmetta Community Center. The American Red Cross is also available.
The mayor says the city needs cleaning supplies and drinks.
"Energy drinks, Gatorade. Heat is a problem, not electricity. So we maintain the community center as a cooling station, "said Mayor Chris Slavicek.
The mayor says he is very grateful for the donations and for the city's growing together.
"This 'Small Town, Big Heart' motto is the epitome of Helmetta and all first responders, the generous donations that were shown over 48 hours," said the mayor.
The biggest problem now is turning it back on. Many homeowners require repairs and an electrician to get the work approved.
Governor Phil Murphy came to see Helmetta this afternoon to assess the damage. The governor previously announced that he will be asking FEMA for assistance with the recovery.
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