The difficulties presented during and after Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy made it clear in recent years that it’s very important for residents of Morris County to be prepared for future storms and disasters, and that you can never know when emergency preparedness will pay off.
September will be Disaster Preparedness Month in Morris County and across the nation, so there is no better time than right now to prepare for future emergency situations.
“The mission of the Morris County Office of Emergency Management is to support our countywide emergency response partners, to protect lives and property of our residents, and the environment,’’ said Morris County OEM Director Jeff Paul.
“That is why it is so important to have the entire Morris County community engaged in Disaster Preparedness Month. My question to you would simply be: Are you ready?”
Residents are asked to take preparedness action now, to make a plan with your community, your family, and your pets. Plan how to stay safe and communicate during the disasters.
Morris County Fire Coordinator Lou Pepe suggests the following:
- Change Batteries in your smoke detector -- it could mean the difference between life and death.
- Have a charged fire extinguisher near the kitchen and know how to use it.
- Maintain flashlights with batteries throughout the home.
- Maintain a disaster package for your family
- Conduct a family drill to be sure you know alternate ways to get out of your house.
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| Doug Cabana |
“We just have to look back at Irene and Sandy to know that disasters can strike right here in Morris County, and that we need to be prepared,’’ said Freeholder Doug Cabana, who is the county governing board’s liaison on law and public safety issues.
“It’s really a matter of taking some very basic steps to ensure you can survive for at least a short period if you lose power, or can’t communicate and have children or elderly persons or someone in need of medication living with you. Preparedness Month is the time to take stock of your situation.’’
Go to http://www.ready.gov/ to learn more about what you can do to prepare your family. Don’t be like these folks: https://www.facebook.com/MCUrgent
National Preparedness Month, which is sponsored nationally by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, is a part of a governmental effort to strengthen the nation’s preparedness capabilities. It encompasses prevention, protection, response, and recovery efforts to prepare residents for all hazards – from natural disaster to terrorist attack.
The New Jersey Office or Emergency Management suggests the following:
Suggested Items to have in your home:
- Food: Three days' supply of canned, non-perishable, ready-to-eat food
- Water: Three days' supply (a total of three gallons per person)
- Radio: Battery-operated, with extra batteries
- Flashlight: With extra batteries
- Medications: One week of prescriptions
- First Aid Kit
- Personal toiletries
- Non-electric can opener and utensils
- Cash or Travelers checks
SPECIAL NEEDS items:
- Infant Care needs
- Items for elderly family members
- Items for persons with disabilities
For a more detailed list and assistance in developing a preparedness plan, please visit:
For information during emergency situations in Morris County, visit MCUrgent for up-to-date information, at: http://www.morrisoem.org/MCUrgent.asp.
MCUrgent information spans municipal boundaries, is freely available and accessible anywhere.
MCUrgent information spans municipal boundaries, is freely available and accessible anywhere.