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(609) 883-2900
2 Jake Garzio Drive
Ewing, NJ 08628
Ewing, NJ 08628
Disaster Preparedness
Disaster Preparedness
Federal government agencies such as FEMA, National Weather Service and the Department of Homeland Security have put together a campaign to promote disaster preparedness. Through the Ready.gov and other sites they promote citizen awareness and planning. Ready.gov recommends that individuals do three things to prepare for possible emergencies of all types:
- build an emergency supply kit,
- make a family emergency plan and
- stay informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses.
Don't forget: the time to prepare is NOW, before an emergency strikes.
Shelter in Place
Shelter-in-Place means you should remain in your home or workplace during an emergency, and protect yourself there. You should plan to remain there until given an "all clear" or are told to evacuate.
- In the event of a weather emergency, a typical rule of thumb is to put as many walls between you and the outdoors as possible and head to the lowest floor. A basement is ideal if you have one.
- Bring supplies that you might need to that lowest level (food, water, medication... ) in case the shelter-in-place notice lasts for many hours.
- Be sure to include a battery-powered radio when making preparations during an emergency so that you can remain informed in case the power goes out.
What You Need to Know if You Have to Evacuate prepared by Mercer County and the NJ Office of Emergency Management.
Build a Kit
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Headed to the store? Download a printable version to take with you. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, or seniors.
If you need to evacuate: Take your go-bags and GO! Be sure that your vehicles are fueled and serviced. Gas stations may be closed or unable to pump gas during power outages. Be alert for road hazards such as downed trees, power lines, flooded areas. NEVER drive into flooded areas.
After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Also have your utility service provider contact information on hand.
- Build a Disaster Supplies Kit.
Be prepared for a disaster. This page contains information on food and water preparedness during an emergency, as well as car safety tips. Plan for specials needs individuals: the elderly and infirm, pets, children... Don't forget to gatehr financial and critical personall, household and medical information. - Make a Plan
Be sure to discuss and practice it with family members for varying scenarios and place emergency numbers near all telephones. Decide how you will contact each other, where you will go if you need to evacuate, designate potential evacuation routes, and list suppliest you will need if you decide to shelter-in-place.
Weather Emergencies
Extreme Heat
- Extreme Heat Preparedness
Explains actions you can take during extreme heat and how heat can kill.
Floods
What to do when you receive a flood watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for our area.
Hurricanes
Check out our detailed article on hurricane preparedness.
- Hurricane Preparedness
How to plan and prepare for a hurricane - Hurricanes - Ready.gov
What to do when a hurricane watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service is issued before, during, and after a hurricane. - Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources
from the National Weather Service
Lightning / Thunderstorms
In NJ, severe thunderstorms can occur any time of year, however, typically they occur during the warmer months. March through October is prime thunderstorm season.
- Safety Considerations - Be informed
- Thunderstorm Safety checklist – from the American Red Cross
Snow Emergencies and Extreme Cold
- Snow Emergencies
What to do when you receive a winter weather storm alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a snowstorm or extreme cold.
Other Emergencies
Chemical Emergencies
Chemical agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids and solids that have toxic effects on people, animals or plants. Signs of a chemical emergency include the presence of many dead insects or birds. To prepare:
- Build a Disaster Supplies Kit and include:
- Duct tape
- Scissors
- Plastic to cover doors, windows and vents
- Make a Family Emergency Plan
- More information at Ready.gov
Home Fires
Fires can happen and spread very quickly! According to Ready.gov, in just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.
To maximize your safety:
- PLAN AHEAD! Create and practice a fire escape plan.
- Make sure you have working smoke alarms (a good time to test is when Daylight Savings Time begins and ends, OR, anytime if you are uncertain.)
- Make digital copies of valuable documents and records like birth certificates.
- Sleep with your bedroom door closed.
- Home Safety Tips
- What to do if your home is on fire.
- After a Fire: Returning to Normal
Power Outages
- Extended Power Outages
- Medical Needs Emergencies
- Portable Generator Safety
- Conserve Power to Help Avoid Blackouts
- Be Informed - Power Outages
Basic safety tips and how to what to do before, during and after a power outage.
Pandemic Influenza – Wildfires – Tornadoes –- Hazardous Materials
After the Fact – Disaster Assistance
Emergency Notifications
- Ewing Community Alerts
Sign up for the Swift911 Community Notification System from Ewing Township - Mercer County Emergency Notification System
Sign up to receive text alerts for Emergency Information and Weather Alerts - State of NJ Emergency Messages
- Report Power Outages
Check the PSE&G Outage Center for information. - Sewer Emergencies
Call Ewing Lawrence Sewerage Authority (ELSA) at 609-587-4061) 24 hours/day, 7 days/week - Public Water Emergencies
Call Trenton Water Works at 609-989-3222. - NJ One Call (1-800-272-1000) or 8-1-1
"Call before you dig" for mark out of underground utilities. It's the law! - Mercer County Emergency Alert System Radio Station
WNJT 88.1 FM - Other Notifications
Report a street light outage- Ewing Police form with helpful directions
NJ'S SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY
Sign up for NJ Special Needs Registry to be prepared in the event of a disaster. The “Register Ready” program allows NJ residents with disabilities to preregister so that emergency responders can better plan to serve them in a disaster or other emergency.
The 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, such as a hurricane. This is a free, voluntary, strictly confidential service designed to protect you. All costs are paid by the State of NJ. Focus is on those who would have trouble evacuating because of a physical or cognitive limitation, language barrier, or lack of transportation.
Individuals with special needs or their caregivers can register online at www.registerready.nj.gov. You may also dial 2-1-1 for Registry Assistance 24/7. This service will register people, offers free translation, and provides TTY services for the hearing-impaired. All information collected is confidential and not available to the public. It is held securely and used only to allow emergency responders to better plan to serve you in the event of a disaster or other emergency.
Register NOW to be notified by local officials when an evacuation has been ordered. IT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Register Ready Brochure - English | Spanish
See also Public Evacuation/Medical Needs Sheltering from the Mercer County Division of Public Health Public which provide more information about Medical Needs Shelters and provides a Checklist for what to bring with you.