This bill establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey aimed at protecting at-risk individuals during extreme heat events by issuing a Code Red alert. The program requires county governing bodies to develop plans for alerting municipalities, social service agencies, and non-profit organizations that assist these individuals. The plans must include communication strategies, emergency cooling centers, and transportation options, particularly in municipalities with a documented homeless population of at least ten people. Volunteer organizations may implement these plans with support from county emergency management coordinators, who will declare a Code Red alert when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the State Office of Emergency Management submit a report to the Governor and Legislature after the pilot program concludes, detailing its success, challenges, and recommendations for its future. It also includes provisions for counties to seek reimbursement for administrative costs incurred during the program. The bill offers Good Samaritan protections from civil liability for the State, local governments, and volunteer organizations involved in providing emergency services under the Code Red alert plan.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: .A:9-52