Advice On Emergency Preparedness

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.