Sponsored by:
Senator LINDA R. GREENSTEIN
District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)
Senator ANGELA V. MCKNIGHT
District 31 (Hudson)
Co-Sponsored by:
Senator Mukherji
SYNOPSIS
Designates month of September of each year as Emergency Preparedness Month in New Jersey.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating the month of September of each year as Emergency Preparedness Month in New Jersey.
Whereas, September has been designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as National Preparedness Month, to remind each of us that we must prepare ourselves and our families now and throughout the year for disasters; and
Whereas, Although hurricane season usually runs from June 1 through November 30, hurricane and tropical storm activity peaks in New Jersey from mid-August through the end of October, and by taking simple steps now residents can decrease their risk of illness and injury when faced with an emergencymanmade or natural; and
Whereas, Prior to declared emergencies, every family should establish a family preparedness plan in case of an emergency or disaster, which should include establishing evacuation and meeting locations, creating communication and financial plans, determining how the family could best shelter in place, considering the medical and physical needs of all family members and pets, and evaluating property insurance needs; and
Whereas, Families should establish meeting locations where the family can reunite after a disaster, one location close to home and another farther away, in case they must evacuate or are unable to return to the home; and
Whereas, Residents should establish certain evacuation plans in advance of an emergency such as identifying possible evacuation routes and practicing how to exit the home; identifying available modes of transportation; establishing arrangements with family, neighbors, friends, or local government if personal transportation is unavailable; and contacting local public safety officials to make them aware of transportation needs; and
Whereas, Residents also should establish plans to shelter in place by designating at least one safe room within the home, ensuring necessary supplies and emergency kits are accessible, and for those who receive medical treatments or services, working with medical providers to determine how to maintain care and service if they are unable to leave the home for a period of time; and
Whereas, Families should consider the needs of everyone in the household when creating an emergency preparedness plan, including individuals with access and functional needs, seniors, children, and pets; and
Whereas, Families also should develop an emergency communication plan ensuring all family members have a way to contact each other after an emergency or disaster; and
Whereas, In addition, residents should prepare finances for an emergency by maintaining a small amount of cash in small denominations during a disaster to purchase supplies, fuel, or food and have access to personal financial, insurance, medical, and other records in case of crises; and
Whereas, It is important for residents to evaluate property insurance to avoid financial losses due to a disaster by reviewing insurance policies for adequate coverage, including documentation for household items, and maintaining a safe place for insurance documents; and
Whereas, A well-prepared New Jersey citizenry can save lives; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The month of September of each year is designated as Emergency Preparedness Month to raise awareness of the importance of preparing ourselves and our families now and throughout the year for disasters.
2. The Governor respectfully is requested to issue a proclamation recognizing September as Emergency Preparedness Month and calling upon public officials and the residents of New Jersey to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates the month of September of each year as Emergency Preparedness Month in New Jersey to raise awareness of the importance of preparing ourselves and our families now and throughout the year for emergencies and disasters.
Prior to declared emergencies, New Jersey residents should establish a family preparedness plan in case of an emergency or disaster which should include establishing evacuation and meeting locations, creating communication and financial plans, determining how the family could best shelter in place, and evaluating property insurance needs. Preparedness plans should consider the medical and physical needs of all family members and pets.