Dear Residents,
September is National Preparedness Month. As such, Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission and the New Jersey Department of Health would like to remind you of the opportunities for individuals to keep themselves and their families healthy while preparing for emergencies. Following a summer of high temperatures and the increasingly apparent effects of climate change on our communities, now more than ever, it is important to shine light on the steps residents can take to protect themselves, their homes, and their belongings.
The state Health Department’s Division of Disaster Preparedness, Resiliency and Emergency Medical Services works closely with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and with county and local officials throughout the year to ensure residents are safe before, during, and after emergency events. Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, M.D., and Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the State Police and New Jersey’s Director of Emergency Management, co-chair the Task Force on Pandemic and Emergency Preparedness, which is charged with readying the state for future disasters and public health emergencies.
“Emergencies such as severe weather and its aftermath can have significant effects on our health, and impacts of emergencies can be experienced disproportionately, especially when appropriate preemptive measures are not taken,” said Health Commissioner Baston. “There are everyday steps that you can take to help you prepare and to help keep your loved ones and communities safer.”
“True preparedness begins with taking care of your own well-being—staying healthy, resilient, and ready—so that when disaster strikes, you’re not just a survivor, but a helping hand to those around you. Strong individuals build stronger communities,” said Colonel Callahan. “Being ready for a disaster means equipping yourself with the tools, knowledge, and mindset to face challenges with resilience and emerge stronger.”
The State has created several initiatives that bolster preparedness against threats to public health and safety. This includes, but is not limited to, commissioning the first-in-the-nation independent review of the State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing and mitigating the impacts of climate change, and promoting vigilance with regard to possible cyberattacks.
No matter the emergency, it is important that you are prepared and have a plan, including knowing your evacuation route. Emergency plans are important to create and practice regularly with your friends, family, or household. Plans should be made for various emergencies like home fires, power outages, flooding, extreme weather events, and more. Having an emergency kit, charging all your electronics, and making sure your prescriptions are up to date and filled are among the first steps to take.
Residents can take several simple steps to safeguard their homes against expected emergencies, like weather events and carbon monoxide or mold exposure. Families can protect themselves against carbon monoxide (or CO) exposure by installing a CO detector and avoiding running any gasoline-powered engine—such as generators during a power outage—inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that cannot be seen, smelled, or heard. High levels of carbon monoxide can cause brain damage and even death, which is why it has been called the “silent killer.”
Homes that experience flooding or heavy rains can develop potential mold, which can grow in any environment, including hidden surfaces such as ceiling tiles and insulation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. Here are some tips for cleaning up after flooding, minimizing the risk for mold, as well as tips to ensure food safety after flooding.
Keeping food safe during other emergencies, like power outages, includes knowing when to discard refrigerated perishable food items, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. When in doubt, throw it out.
Be NJ Register Ready: Register Ready, New Jersey’s Special Needs Registry for Disasters, allows New Jersey residents with disabilities or access and functional needs and their families, friends and associates an opportunity to provide information to emergency response agencies. This helps emergency responders better plan to serve them in a disaster or other emergency if evacuations are ordered. The information collected for the registry is confidential and will not be available to the public.
Sign up for emergency alerts: Tune in, log-on, opt-in, “like” or “follow” local, county, state and federal agencies for credible disaster-related information such as alerts, warnings, situational awareness updates, and where to find help. Additional information may be found at NJOEM’s Staying Informed webpage. Residents may also check with their local and county offices of emergency management for messaging solutions specific to their residence.
Resources:
New Jersey Department of Health Office of Disaster Resilience
New Jersey Department of Health Storm Recovery
New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Ready.gov
Food Safety During Power Outage
Take care and be well,
NWBRHC Staff
