News from the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners
Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director Ÿ Melonie Marano, Commissioner Deputy Director
Sara Sooy, Commissioner Ÿ Paul Drake, Commissioner Ÿ Doug Singleterry, Commissioner
MEDIA ADVISORY
September 26, 2022
Contact Nathan Rudy, Somerset County PIO Director, at (908) 635-8401 for more information.
Somerset County Department of Health Recognizes National Preparedness Month in September
This year’s theme for National Preparedness Month is “A Lasting Legacy”
SOMERVILLE, NJ – In recognition of National Preparedness Month, the Somerset County Department of Health (SCDOH) encourages individuals and families to prepare for emergencies. The theme for 2022 is “A Lasting Legacy,” reminding residents that the life they’ve built is worth protecting and being prepared for disasters helps create a lasting legacy for themselves and their family.
“As we’ve seen in the past few years, major stormwater and public health events can come at any time and the best way to protect your family and its legacy, is to be prepared ahead of time,” said Commissioner Doug Singleterry, liaison to the SCDOH. “Putting together an emergency supply kit and strategies for communication if household members are separated can ensure everyone in the family is safe and secure.”
Emergency preparedness experts recommend pre-planning to help protect you and your family members, which should include communication plans involving evacuation procedures and locations of local shelters. At minimum, emergency supply kits should include face coverings, soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus and other viruses when congregate sheltering is necessary.
Somerset County Office of Emergency Management Director Lisa Werner recently filmed a video provided step by step directions to prepare for disasters, available at https://youtu.be/NzkZvOsFhF4.
Here are some important safety tips to follow in case of an emergency:
Communication Plans
All family members must understand the communication plan (including young children), and the plan should be adapted according to various emergency scenarios, including:
- Communication plan for sheltering at home
- Evacuation routes in the home
- Evacuation plan to shelter at neighbors or local shelters
- Locations of local shelters
- Evacuation routes on roads
Emergency Supply Kit
Ensure the family’s emergency supply kit is easily accessible and includes the following items:
- Minimum three-day supply of food and water
- Personal care items
- Bar or liquid soaps, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, and disinfecting wipes
- Safety supplies such as electronics, flashlight, batteries, candles, flares
- Medication
- Important documents
- Face masks, at least two per person for any household member who is age two or above
- First aid kit
Stay Informed
- Sign up for local emergency alerts
- Tune into reliable news sources
Additional Safety Tips
- Make sure your children know important phone numbers
- Stay calm and help children cope with difficult emotions such as fear or confusion
- Don’t forget your pets – take pictures if you’re separated, pack medicine and grooming items, and use a collar with an ID and a leash
- Keep a blanket in your backpack or car to stay warm
Emergency Resources for Individuals with Special Needs
NJ Register Ready is a valuable resource for individuals with special needs and persons with disabilities. Signing up for the registry will alert local emergency responders of the health and safety needs of participants. To register, call 2-1-1 or visit https://bit.ly/RegisterReady2021.
Other Emergency Resources
For information about emergency preparedness, visit Ready.gov at www.ready.gov, the New Jersey Department of Health at www.state.nj.us/health/er/ or the Somerset County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program, at https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/public-health-safety/health-department/emergency-preparedness.
The Somerset County Department of Health
The Somerset County Department of Health (SCDOH) is responsible for coordinating Public Health responses during emergencies. The Somerset County Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Team plans, trains, and coordinates emergency preparation for public and private sector agencies to protect the health of the community during natural or man-made emergencies.
To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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