In the case of an emergency, Federal, State, County, and Local emergency management officials recommend that you:
- Build a support network of those that can assist you
- Identify accessible transportation
- Gather information on the size, weight, and power requirements of any special equipment you may need as well as backup, non-powered options when possible
- Locate places you can go to stay safe and that have the resources to meet your individual needs
Regardless of access or functional needs, officials recommend that every person create an emergency kit that contains supplies to last at least three (3) days. These supplies include:
- Bottled water
- Nonperishable food
- Personal hygiene items
- A flashlight
- A battery-operated radio
- Spare batteries; including a portable cell phone charger
- Spare keys
- A change of clothes
- Cash in small denominations
- Copies of important documents
In addition, your kit may need additional items such as hearing aid batteries, spare eyeglasses, pen and paper if communication in writing is needed, prescription medications -along with a list of medications and dosages, and/or food, water, and supplies for a service animal.
Important Documents
- Emergency Contact List
- Medical Information (including prescriptions and immunizations)
- Copy of birth certificate
- Copy of marriage/adoption certificate (i.e., name change)
- Copy of driver’s license or state ID card
- Copy of credit/debit cards
- Medical insurance card
- Declaration page of insurance policies
- Titles/deeds to properties
- Power of attorney/will
The NJ Special Needs Registry is designed to help emergency responders locate and safely evacuate people who could find it difficult to help themselves in the event of a major disaster. It is free, voluntary, private and confidential. Visit registerready.nj.gov or call 2-1-1.
Additional information can be found at ready.nj.gov and ready.gov.
