Contact: Lawrence Hajna, NJDEP (609) 984-1795
Sergeant. Joseph Walsh #7266, NJOEM (609) 963-6900 ext. 6834
TRENTON –– To mark the start of National Preparedness Month and the peak of Atlantic hurricane season, State Police Superintendent and Director of Emergency Management Patrick J. Callahan and Commissioner of Protection of the Environment Shawn M. LaTourette today urged the public to practice responsible planning before, during and after hurricanes and other extreme weather events that have become more frequent due to climate change.
“At a time when extreme weather and climate change are converging, hurricane preparedness isn’t just a choice, it’s our responsibility. Together, we must adapt, mitigate and resist the changing tides, and ensure that our future remains as resilient as our resolve. said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan. “Through proactive preparation, continued collaboration with our technical and emergency management partners, and a deeper understanding of severe weather events, we can continue to protect lives, safeguard our communities, and secure our future. »
“While the focus is on hurricanes at this time of year, other intense weather events, ranging from tornadoes and wildfires, inland flash floods and landslides ground, have become more frequent due to climate change and we urge everyone to be diligent throughout the year by being mindful. as prepared as possible for these disasters,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “DEP climatologists provide valuable information on weather patterns and help ensure that the public can best ensure their safety and that of their loved ones in light of increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather conditions.
Prepare for future weather emergencies by following these tips provided by the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management:
- Sign up for emergency alerts: Connect, log in, subscribe, ‘like’ or ‘follow’ local, county, state and federal agencies for credible disaster-related information, such as alerts, warnings, updates up-to-date situational awareness and where to find help. Additional information can be found on NJOEM Stay informed Web page. Remember that the Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on November 30, 2023.
- NJ Sign Up Ready: Register Ready, the New Jersey Disaster Special Needs Registry, provides New Jersey residents with disabilities, access and functional needs and their families, friends and associates the opportunity to provide information to disaster response agencies. ’emergency. This helps emergency responders better plan their response to a disaster or other emergency if evacuations are ordered. The information collected here is confidential and will not be accessible to the public.
- Make a handbag as a family: When gathering your emergency kit, consider preparing a travel bag for your family. This can be a duffle bag or duffel bag that is easily accessible so you can grab it and go in case of an emergency evacuation order. These bags should contain items such as prescription drugs, food, water, extra clothing, and copies of important documents and phone numbers to get you through the critical first few days. For more information on how to put together a family emergency kit, visit the NJOEM site. Your Kit/Your Plan Web page.
- Develop an emergency plan: Make plans with your family and friends in case you are not together in the event of an emergency, whether natural, technological or man-made. Discuss how you will contact each other, where you will meet, and what you will do in different situations. Familiarize yourself with your city’s evacuation routes. For more information on how to make a family emergency plan, visit the NJOEM site. Your Kit/Your Plan Web page. Pets are also part of the family. Be sure to include them in your emergency plans when visiting New Jersey Animal emergency response Web page.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Emergency kits will allow individuals and families to survive after a disaster for several days without access to food, water or electricity. Emergency kits should include at least a three to five day supply of non-perishable food and water, prescription medication for up to two weeks if available, baby supplies, pet supplies and any additional items for special medical needs, such as a supplement. pair of glasses and batteries for hearing aids. Be sure to include important doctor phone numbers as well as car cell phone chargers.
- Be prepared for a financial emergency: It’s a good idea to open an emergency savings account in case of an emergency or unexpected disaster and make sure you have cash on hand, as electronic payment processing systems may not be functional. Be sure to review all your insurance policies regularly and check that you have the appropriate amount of coverage. Remember to protect important documents, such as passports, driver’s licenses, pet ownership papers or birth certificates, by storing them in a waterproof, fireproof container.
Prepare for increased risks from climate change by following these tips from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection:
- Understand your flood risk: The size and extent of flood prone areas are expanding due to climate change related impacts such as increase in rainfall intensity And the sea level rises. Areas not normally affected by flooding could experience significant flooding now or in the future. To help homeowners visualize the risks to their homes, an interactive online mapping tool called the New Jersey Flood Indicator Tool shows indicators of potential flood risk on or near a property of interest.
- Purchasing flood insurance: Avoid paying out of pocket for flood damage by taking out flood insurance; most home insurance does not cover flood damage. Houses within FEMA Special area at risk of flooding (SFHA) are eligible for Federal flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program if their municipality participates in the program. For some, obtaining private flood insurance may be warranted if a home is outside of the SFHA but is experiencing or could experience significant flooding.
- Consider a buyout: A home can suffer serious and repeated damage from flooding. In this case, the owner may consider a buyout to move to an area with a lower risk of flooding. DEP blue acresThe program provides resettlement assistance to families whose homes are prone to repeated flooding and gives them the opportunity to sell their damaged or flood-prone property to the state. Any owner interested in selling their property can submit a request to Blue Acres via the application form on the Blue Acres website.
- Prepare for the weather: DEP Ready for the weather The webpage provides live weather information and maps, links to National Weather Service and NJOEM resources, and links to DEP programs that are typically involved in storm preparedness and response.
- Prepare in community: Resilience planning and disaster preparedness are more effective when the whole community is involved. A resilient New Jerseyis DEP’s flagship resilience planning program and offers regular funding opportunities for regions and municipalities to receive technical assistance for resilience planning for the benefit of the whole community.
PHOTO/Knowlton, Landslide damage in Warren County, July 2023
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