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:

1. build an emergency supply kit,
2. make a family emergency plan and
3. 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.

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.

• What you should know about Flood Safety
• Floods

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
  • Emergency Power Planning for People Who Use Electricity and Battery Dependent Assistive Technology & Medical Devices
• 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

• http://ready.nj.gov/programs/public-assistance-program.shtml

Emergency Notifications

• Ewing Community Alerts
  Sign up for the Swift911 Community Notification System from Ewing Township
  • About Swift911
  • Registration Directions
• 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