Jersey Shore Communities Taking Extra Steps To Keep Visitors Safe
POINT PLEASANT, N.J. (CBSNewYork)-- Leaders of area beach communities are part of a new plan to keep everyone safe this summer.
CBS2's Meg Baker explored what communities are now looking out for in an environment of uncertainty.
Visitors to Jenkinson's Boardwalk in Point Pleasant were enjoying the food, sun, and games on Thursday. Behind the scenes, local businesses were learning how to keep those customers as safe as possible.
"It's often the small businesses first line of defense, whether reporting suspicious activity or having better understanding of the threat picture here," Homeland Security Director Christopher Rodriguez said.
The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, hosted a terrorism awareness seminar for the local community. It's a new initiative to be rolled out across the state.
"A lot of people are here, a lot of events... so we want to make sure our police working with state and county sheriffs office to make sure we are all connected," Point Pleasant Mayor Stephen Reid said.
In the summer months the population of Point Pleasant Beach swells from 4,700 to more than 40,000 people who frequent restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, stores and entertainment venues.
"Each time something happens it heightens your awareness. You hope it never happens close to home, but in the event it does you have a plan to handle what you have to handle," Point Pleasant Police Chief Kevin O'Hara said.
One of the main attractions in Point Pleasant is the boardwalk and some businesses say they have already implemented emergency plans.
"In developing our emergency action plan we learned more often than not when there is an emergency customers will follow what any employee does. It's important to set tone and make sure employees know what to do," said Harry DiCorcia, director of security at Martell in Point Pleasant.
What should you look for in this new threat environment?
"If someone asks about security at your building or installation that's a good indicator of suspicious activity," Rodriguez said.
If you spot someone taking pictures of security systems, loitering or dressed in heavy clothing to conceal a possible weapon-- call your local police station. Point Pleasant and other shore towns also have officers roaming the boardwalks in uniform and plain clothes.
