Change Clocks, Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Sign-up for NJ Alert

WEST TRENTON– On Sunday November 7th, when we turn our clocks back, Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police and Director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management is encouraging all New Jersey residents to create an emergency kit, make a plan for the home and stay informed.
“During the bi-annual clock change, we are reminded by various officials to check our safety devices, especially smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. This year, we encourage all New Jersey residents to devise or update their disaster plan, and sign up for NJ Alert.
There are several things that New Jersey residents can do to prepare for the unexpected as well as reduce stress and confusion during an actual emergency. The basics of preparedness are virtually the same for all hazards. Following the appropriate steps now ensures that residents are ready for any disaster or crisis that may affect New Jersey.
“Planning and preparation are paramount to safety. By investing the time to create an appropriate emergency plan for yourself, your family or place of business, you are readying your environment for any potential emergency,” explains Fuentes.
The following are some quick tips for general emergency preparedness:
STEP ONE: “GET A KIT” of Emergency Supplies
ITEMS FOR YOUR HOME
Three day supply of canned, non-perishable, ready-to-eat FOOD
Three day supply of WATER (a total of three gallons per family member)
Battery-operated RADIO and extra batteries
FLASHLIGHT and extra batteries
One week’s prescription MEDICATIONS
FIRST AID KIT
Personal TOILETRIES
Non-electric CAN OPENER and UTENSILS
SPECIAL NEEDS items:
INFANT care items
Items for ELDERLY family members
Items for relatives with DISABILITIES
CASH or TRAVELERS CHECKS
Store important DOCUMENTS in a waterproof, safe location
IN CASE YOU NEED TO EVACUATE
Keep a your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full at all times
Every family member must carry CONTACT INFORMATION:
All phone numbers at work, school, etc. for every family member
The name and number of a relative who lives out-of-state, to call in case your family gets separated.
STEP TWO: “MAKE A PLAN” for Yourself, Your Family or Your Business
Meet with the members of your household or office
Talk about the types of disasters that are most likely to happen in your area
Take time to explain the dangers of emergency incidents to children
Discuss why everyone needs to prepare for a disaster
Address any special needs concerns in the event of an emergency
Build an emergency contact phone list
Make provisions for pets
Remember to establish and share emergency incident responsibilities
Emphasize that teamwork and staying calm are key
STEP THREE: “STAY INFORMED” through NJ Alert
NJ Alert is a free, voluntary and confidential emergency alerting system that allows State Emergency Management officials to send E-mail or text messages to cell phones, and other email enabled devices during an emergency event. The public can sign up for NJ Alert by logging on to: www.njalert.gov or by visiting the NJOEM website at www.ready.nj.gov and clicking on the NJ Alert icon.
“NJ Alert will help direct the public in the event of a large scale emergency. Whether we are dealing with a hurricane or act of terrorism, NJ Alert enables us to deliver emergency messages to the public through the convenience of their handheld devices or PCs in addition to traditional emergency notification systems,” said Fuentes.