NJ Residents Urged to Prepare for Spring Floods

The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management is urging all New Jersey residents to prepare for the increased potential for flooding this spring due to melting snow and heavy rain.

“Now is the time to take steps to protect yourself and your family, not when floodwaters are climbing your front steps,” advises State Police Superintendent Colonel Rick Fuentes, Director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management.

The state OEM advises residents to put together a kit of emergency supplies which should include:

• Three days' supply of canned, non-perishable, ready-to-eat food
• Three days' supply of water (a total of three gallons per family member)
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• One week's prescription medications
• First aid kit
• Personal toiletries
• Non-electric can opener and utensils
• Infant care items
• Items for elderly family members
• Items for relatives with disabilities
• Cash
• Store important documents in a waterproof, safe location

The state also had recommendations in case of evacuation:

• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank level at a half-tank or more
• Every family member must carry contact information
• All phone numbers at work, school, etc. for every family member
• The name and number of a relative who lives out-of-state to call in case your family gets separated
• Medical information
• If  you have to evacuate, take prescriptions with you
• Follow the instructions of emergency officials

The NJ OEM said residents should create a family emergency plan in case of flooding:

• Meet with the members of your household or office
• Talk about the types of disasters that are most likely to happen in your area
• Take time to explain the dangers of emergency incidents to children
• Discuss why everyone needs to prepare for a disaster
• Address any special needs concerns in the event of an emergency
• Build an emergency contact phone list
• Make provisions for pets
• Remember to establish and share emergency incident responsibilities
• Emphasize that teamwork and staying calm are key

The state said residents should do their best to stay informed of possible flooding and offered the following resources:

• National Weather Service
• New Jersey Office of Emergency Management Website
• NJ Alert text messaging system 

The state OEM also urged residents to consider obtaining flood insurance:

• Purchase a flood insurance policy if they do not already have one – make sure you are aware of the date it will take effect
• Review their current insurance policy and become familiar with what is and is not covered
• Itemize and take pictures of possessions
• Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information on the National Flood Insurance Program.