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NJ Office of Emergency Management
Colonel Rick Fuentes Major Dennis McNulty
Superintendent, New Jersey State Police
State Director of Emergency Management
Commanding Officer, Emergency Management

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Mary Goepfert
(609) 963-6818
(609) 439-8082
March 08, 2011

NJOEM TELLS NJ RESIDENTS:
PREPARE NOW FOR SPRING FLOODS

West Trenton, NJ - Melting snow, severe storms and heavy rain have increased the potential for flooding throughout New Jersey.  Severe floods are likely to result in evacuations, property damage, travel problems and power outages in low-lying areas of the State.  The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management is urging all New Jersey residents to develop family emergency plans, prepare a go-kit and review the need for flood insurance.
 
“Now is the time to take steps to protect yourself and your family, not when floodwaters are climbing your front steps,” advises State Police Superintendent Colonel Rick Fuentes, Director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management.
 
The NJOEM recommends New Jersey residents prepare for spring flooding by taking the following steps:   

STEP ONE: "GET A KIT" OF EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

ITEMS FOR YOUR HOME

  • Three days' supply of canned, non-perishable, ready-to-eat food

  • Three days' 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

CONSIDER THESE ITEMS FOR SPECIFIC NEEDS :

  • Infant care items

  • Items for elderly family members

  • Items for relatives with disabilities

  • Cash

  • Store important documents in a waterproof, safe location

IF YOU NEED TO EVACUATE:

  • Keep your vehicle’s gas tank level at a half-tank or more

  • 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

  • Medical information

  • If  you have to evacuate, take prescriptions with you

  • Follow the instructions of emergency officials

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" OF POSSIBLE THREATS

It is important to know about the potential risks in your community, and to know whether an emergency is imminent or has already taking place.  In New Jersey, keep track of current weather forecasts and alerts with:

The official website of the National Weather Service:   /www.erh.noaa.gov/er/phi/
New Jersey Office of Emergency Management Website:   www.ready.nj.gov
NJ Alert text messaging system:   www.njalert.gov  
NJOEM on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/pages/New-Jersey-Office-of-Emergency-Management
NJOEM Twitter:   www.twitter.com/NJSP
Local radio and TV stations and Internet publications

Contact your local Office of Emergency Management for information about:

  • Types of emergencies most likely in your area

  • Warning signals that will be used in your community

  • Local radio and TV stations you should tune into for emergency alerts and official instructions

Learn about the disaster plans for your workplace, your children's school or day care center, and other places where your family spends time.

STEP FOUR:  CONSIDER FLOOD INSURANCE

Residents in areas susceptible to winter flooding need to prepare in advance for flood conditions. Before the threat of flooding becomes imminent, residents should:

  • Purchase a flood insurance policy if they do not already have one – make sure you are aware of the date it will take effect

  • Review their current insurance policy and become familiar with what is and is not covered

  • Itemize and take pictures of possessions

Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information on the National Flood Insurance Program.

 

 

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To stay informed about disasters and emergencies in New Jersey via social media, follow the NJOEM on Twitter @ReadyNJ, "like" us on www.facebook.com/READYNEWJERSEY, or get email and text message alerts via www.Nixle.com or www.njalert.gov.