As I write this, the forecast calls for milder, sunny weather during the coming weekend and the calendar at least is heralding the approach of spring. So hopefully the specter of snow emergencies is behind us for another year. But before the 2010 Cape May snow storm fades into memory and local folklore, it might be worthwhile for all of us to assess how prepared we were for this relatively contained disaster. What do we need to do to better prepare for future emergencies?
My personal experience was probably similar to that of many in our county. Before my home telephone service went out, there was an automated message from my municipality directing me to call a local number if I needed transportation to a shelter. Fortunately, I had cell phone service (and a car charger should the phone battery run low) to make that call if I had needed help. Although it turns out that power in our area was only out for two days, calls to the power company gave no estimate of when service might be restored. With help from neighbors I shoveled out my car, headed for the Garden State Parkway and toward family in an area of the state less affected by the storm.
But what if I or someone in my household had a disability that made it difficult if not impossible to escape the effects of such an emergency without more assistance than “neighbor helping neighbor?” The first resource for individuals with disabilities as for all of us is our own preparedness. Since 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, our Federal government through its Ready campaign (www.ready.gov) has been encouraging all Americans to take steps to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies, including natural disasters. Two key steps in their recommendations for preparedness are to assemble an emergency supply kit and to develop a family emergency plan.
In New Jersey, that emergency plan for individuals with disabilities or the frail elderly should include enrolling in the Special Needs Registry, a master list of state residents who need assistance, especially if an evacuation is ordered. This list is designed to filter through the individual County Offices of Emergency Management to the emergency first responders in our local municipalities. Though widely publicized last fall, the Registry has not been promoted as vigorously as initially planned since recent budget cuts have forced the state to suspend a costly advertising campaign. But the process for enrolling is still active. Registration can be completed either online at www.registerready.nj.gov or by phone at 2-1-1.
If you have already enrolled in the statewide Special Needs Registry or for some reason do not choose to do so, it would be a good idea to make sure your local municipality knows that you or someone in your household needs special assistance in an emergency situation. While an automated call offering temporary shelter may suffice for the general population, municipalities should be aware of their local households that have special needs, and should proactively check on such households in a time of emergency. But they need our help in identifying these needs. What better time than now to make that part of emergency planning for the future?
Like any challenge, the recent snowstorm offers all of us an opportunity to improve the status quo. Were we prepared for this emergency? What can we in Cape May County do to better prepare for future emergencies?
Did You Know?
• 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 e-mail enabled devices during an emergency event, To sign up for NJ Alert, log on to www.njalert.gov or visit the NJ Office of Emergency Management Web site (www.ready.nj.gov) and click on the NJ Alert icon.
• Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) recently initiated a Veterans Legal Assistance Project that provides legal representation to eligible low-income veterans with VA disability compensation and pension claims, and telephone advice in most other veterans’ matters. The toll-free hotline is 1-888-576-5529.
• The Social Security Administration has launched a new Web site (www.choosework.net) for people receiving Social Security Disability benefits. The Choose Work Web site includes information on the Ticket to Work program and other Work Incentives Planning and Assistance projects, as well as local resources and other information for Social Security disability beneficiaries who want to return to work.
• The DDD Regional Family Support Planning Council No. 9 (Atlantic and Cape May Counties) will hold their meeting in our county this month. The meeting will be held on Thursday, March 18 from 6- 7:30 p.m. at the CMC Special Services Board Office on Crest Haven Road in Cape May Court House. For more information, contact Rose Kuprianov (729-0713) or Paulann Pierson (465-4117).
• The Un-limb-it-ed Potential, a monthly support group for amputees and their families, will meet on Monday, March 15 in the Maruchi Room of Cape Regional Medical Center at 1 p,m. For more information call Audrey Smith (898-0803) or John McDonald (861-5695).
Pierson is the Coordinator of the Cape May County Office of Disability Services
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