Super mayor Cory Booker takes on Superstorm Sandy, one crisis at a time

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Superstorm Sandy smashed the Middle Atlantic states Monday, whipping hurricane-force winds and burying streets and homes under a deluge of flood waters. Coastal cities in New Jersey, where the storm made landfall,were among the hardest hit areas.

In Newark, Mayor Cory Booker has a habit of taking on tasks most politicians would delegate far down the chain of command. In April, Booker rushed into a burning building to rescue a woman from the smoke and flames, despite the protestations of his security detail. In June, he helped a pedestrian who was injured when he ran out into traffic.

Booker's reputation for heroics first surfaced during the "#snowpocalypse" of December 2010, when he used Twitter to locate snowed-in residents, digging out cars, checking on loved ones, and reassuring Newarkers that help would be coming soon.

The mayor was--excuse the bad pun--tweeting up a storm as Sandy ravaged Newark Monday and Tuesday, driving around the city to check on residents, issuing repeated warning to stay inside and away from power lines, and reporting downed trees and damage to emergency crews when people were unable to get through on their own.

In response to @uniquenj1, reporting a sparking tranformer and downed trees: "Sending people to investigate. Stay in and stay safe."

And to @VondaPTatted_: "Ok. Stay put. DM me your address I will report it"

To @_Thx4Playin, who could not get in touch with an aunt whose house had been hit by a tree: "I stopped by & had a good talk with them. They're secure 4 night."

As events unfolded, it was clear people appreciated the mayor's deep response.

I don't have faith in many politicians, but I have faith in Mayor @corybooker of Newark. A true warrior for his constituents. #Sandy

— Michael Phillips (@michaelonrails) October 30, 2012

@corybooker: A great example of how a public official can use social media effectively in a disaster to communicate with their community.

— Christina (@DChristina1) October 30, 2012

“@langlotz1: @anamariecoxhow about a shout out to @corybooker! He was everywhere all night helping his city's people!!” SHOUTED OUT.

— Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) October 30, 2012

Below, read some of Mayor Booker's tweets as he traveled around Newark, delivering aid and hope to besieged residents.

Thanks. Just left. We were able 2 convince & transport 32 homeless brothers & sisters 2 shelter RT @bakerb13 many homeless by penn station

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 29, 2012

Senior at residence is secure. Thanks 4 the heads upRT @moncion78Someone called, said tree fell on house at 261 N 5th st & lady is home

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 29, 2012

Please stay off the streets. If you are secure at home, please stay there. Let emergency responders do their work.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 29, 2012

Just finished delivering supplies 2 team at JFK shelter & our 973 733 4311 operators. Both groups working hard in service of our residents

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 29, 2012

We'll alert PSEG & emerg crews. I'm 5mins from u & will do a drive by. RT @asm0d3uz: Transformer just went KABOOM at RIVERVIEW CT. PROJECTS

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 29, 2012

Doing quick interview with News 12 from car now.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 29, 2012

I'm hear now helping get people to shelters. Call 973 733 4311 if u need assistance. RT @rassler44: power just went out in Ironbound

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 29, 2012

Gratitude! At Riverview with team helping get folks 2 our shelter. Thanx 4 heads up RT @asm0d3uz: Transformer just went @ RIVERVIEW PROJECTS

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 29, 2012

Thanks. We will alert crews RT @mariorodrigues: massive live wire at Wilson Ave & Lang St in East Ward. not sure if its been taken care of

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 29, 2012

U sir are a "Storm Trooper" but please stay in tonight. Thank u! RT @kalateeq: looking for volunteer? I live close to the Nwk penn station.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 29, 2012

There will be power outages. It is expected. Please remain calm. Restoration will take time. If u want to go to a shelter call: 9737334311

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 29, 2012

I was inspired to see residents in Riverview Court looking out for each other. Checking in on each other & sharing supplies. #Community

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 29, 2012

Sending people to investigate. Stay in and stay safe RT @uniquenj1: transformer sparking and big tree down #homestead

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 29, 2012

Thanks to my friend who stocked my city SUV with everything from water to diapers. Coming in handy as we meet others in need. #RollingBodega

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 29, 2012

Just had to order some teenagers inside. Please stay off the streets. Debris is flying around streets, power lines are down, hazards abound.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Here on the scene as fire officials deal with small fire due to downed wire on Kent St in central ward. The power lines are a serious danger

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Just visited our Shelter at JFK again delivering coloring books and games for kids. Please consider going to our Shelter. A strong community

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Stay safe and inside. We will alert PSEG RT @newyork2newark: The power is out on Holland Street at Springfield Avenue.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Thanks for the update/pic, alerting team. RT @misterlacey: Just an FYI. That tree at 40 Mt. Vernon Place fell. twitter.com/MisterLacey/st…

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Can't help right now. Please stay inside RT @mooka_butt: tree fell on my truck on badger ave! Fire dept came but left tree on my truck. help

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Stay put. If u need to move to shelter let me us know RT @itsmine_imavon: I live in Homestead Park power went out & one tree fell down

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Ok. We will RT @jojoboogz: Power is out by Fabyan place and Lisa Ct. we couldn't get thru to pseg

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

I'm patrolling with team in the North Ward. Power outages continue. Significant debris in streets. I cannot urge enough to stay indoors.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

We just had communications there drop. We are working to get it back up immediately RT @rookie_0321: Try calling 4311 and not working.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

I will report. And I'm in the area, I'll come by RT @mrkonitall: major transformers blowing up in North Ward by Park Ave and on Orange St.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

On N. 6th with emergency crews. Building's top being blown off. Had to demand onlookers to clear sidewalk #PleaseUseCommonSense

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Ok. Stay put. DM me your address I will report it RT @vondaptatted_: ayeeeee big tree just fell in front of my house & the power is out!!!

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

I'll report it RT @nmjean05: huge tree just fell on to 18th Ave between West End Ave knocking down power lines. Called pseg busy signal.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Back by Penn Station trying 2 convince remaining homeless Newarkers 2 come with me 2 shelter. They said no before but now seem more amenable

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

We were able to convince another 8 residents to come with us to shelter. I'm so grateful for the kindness of the workers with me.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

I'm drivingthe West Ward. Power lines down all over the place. It is very dangerous. Please plan on staying in through night and tomorrow

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Can't be mad at Larry Kenan 4 being @ 18th ave & West End. He was guarding huge downed tree & power lines 2 keep others safe #ServantCitizen

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Still in the West Ward. So many trees down with power lines. Many streets blocked. Please stay off roads tonight and tomorrow.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Just received call from Pres Obama. I appreciate his hands on involvement during this crisis. His concern & practical support are excellent

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Just spoke with Gov Christie. His team has been a tremendous support in this emergency & I appreciate his personally reaching out (again).

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

I stopped by & had a good talk with them. They're secure 4 night MT @_thx4playin: tree fell on my aunts house 201 tuxedo parkway. Plezz help

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

I haven't heard that. Substations are likely under water & many downed lines RT @yeahrifasaidit: did PSE&G cut power in areas of Newark?

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

I'm going to grab something to eat and treat the law enforcement folks I'm with to some hot food.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Cutting through the South Ward as I head home. Taking it in for some sleep. My home too has no power.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

PSEG aware. Most of the city out. I will have updates later this morn RT @msblushing: power out in south ward on badger & Madison Ave

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

In South Ward surveying streets. Please stay off the roads. Allow emergency crews to operate and deal with the many hazards in the streets.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Thank you RT @bsesser: A good list of organizations that need donations/volunteers in the wake of Sandy - bit.ly/PErtp5

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

PSEG estimates time to restore power for our city could be upwards of a week. I will do everything in my power to compress that time.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Police have reported ZERO looting or crimes of opportunity in Newark. And ceaseless reports of acts of kindness abound everywhere #Gratitude

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

no RT @mandrade1995: Do I have to move my car for street cleaning today and tomorrow?

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Left command ctr. Heading to flooded areas to further assess. Too many cars on our streets. Please stay home. Also stop at all intersections

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Delivering some food, water and baby food to folks down here at Riverview court. Strong community here. Endured a lot of flooding last night

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

On way to check in on your family now RT @lvly13: Both r disabled & I can't get to them?

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012

Everyone in the building is safe & accounted for. We are moving 2 families from basement apts to a shelter as basement is flooded@lvly13

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 30, 2012