Preparations for hurricane season underway at Jersey Shore

AVALON, N.J. (WPVI) -- On the first day of hurricane season everything was calm, and no one had a care in the world at the Jersey Shore.

At Avalon Beach it was a picture-perfect day as Superman kites danced in the wind and beach goers soaked up some rays.

"Since I'm only here for vacation, I just make sure that I'm here when nothing is going on," said Jane Vucelich of Springfield, Delaware County.

Just steps away from the beach, and all the fun in the sun, things were serious.

Atlantic City Electric and the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management hosted an Emergency Preparedness Conference in preparation for the 2016 hurricane season.

"Every storm is different. Our response time is different, but we continue to practice with our first responders," said Cape May County Freeholder Director Gerald Thorton.

The goal was simple: To make sure everyone in the community is prepared in the event the area is hit by a major storm.

"The county and municipalities are the first line of defense in any emergency," said Director of Cape May County Office of Emergency Management Martin Pagliughi. "The Cape May County has recognized FEMA and the Red Cross and the different organizations of core engineers. They're not going to respond in time."

Beach goers we talked to say they understand the importance of being prepared.

Many reflected on Superstorm Sandy back in 2012.

The storm devastated the shore, claiming lives, destroying homes and costing billions of dollars in damages.

"I definitely hope we get passed by this season," said Lee Bell of Swarthmore. "When you're a person who enjoys coming to the beach everyday, you don't want to have to think about the destruction and everything that could happen to those that are close by."

While everyone is hoping for a calm season, county and city leaders say you can never be too prepared.