Somerset County Marks Preparedness Month With Push for Family Emergency Plans

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Somerset County is marking National Preparedness Month in September with a countywide reminder for residents to make emergency plans, build supply kits and sign up for alerts before disasters strike.

The national theme this year is Americans Stand Ready, which encourages individuals and families to prepare for, protect against and recover from emergencies.

"Preparedness is more than a checklist. It is a commitment to protecting our families, neighbors, and communities," said Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson, liaison to Somerset County Public Health and Safety. "National Preparedness Month reminds us that readiness is a shared responsibility. By taking simple steps today, we strengthen Somerset County’s ability to respond and recover together when emergencies occur."

County guidance says every household should have a plan for older adults, children, pets, people with disabilities and those with chronic health conditions.

Residents are encouraged to decide how they will communicate if phone service is disrupted or family members become separated, choose an out-of-area contact and identify a meeting place that everyone can reach safely.

The county also recommends keeping a charged phone and backup power source available during outages.

"When residents are prepared, it helps our first responders focus on getting resources to neighbors in areas most affected by an emergency," said Somerset County Director of Health and Health Officer Himanshi Bhatt. "This month, we are asking residents to consider reaching out to neighbors and loved ones to support them in developing their emergency plan and helping them register for emergency alerts to ensure they stay informed and know where to go to get important information and updates throughout an emergency."

The county is also urging residents to build emergency kits with food and water, medications, personal care items, first aid supplies, electronics, safety supplies such as a radio and flashlight, and documents including identification and medical information.

Residents can create free Smart911 safety profiles that display medical and personal information to 911 operators during an emergency.

"Emergency Preparedness Month is an important reminder that emergencies can happen at any time, often with little or no warning. Preparedness begins before the emergency, by understanding our risks, having a plan, knowing how we will communicate, and being ready to take action," said Somerset County Director of Office of Emergency Management Lisa Werner.

Somerset County also reminded residents to subscribe to local alerts such as Nixle and county emergency alerts.

Text to 911 is available in Somerset County when a voice call is not possible, according to the county.

Residents interested in joining a Community Emergency Response Team can apply for the free Fall 2026 training and submit both required forms by the Sept. 14 deadline, according to the county.