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Now’s the Time to Get “Hurricane Ready” and
Sign Up for NJ’s Special Needs Registry for Disasters
WEST TRENTON — As Hurricane Bertha’s remnants display their power even from afar by churning the surf at New Jersey’s beaches; state officials are reminding all citizens that now is the time to prepare for hurricanes. They are also urging all people with special needs who live in the state’s most hurricane-prone counties to sign up for New Jersey’s Special Needs Registry for Disasters, a message being reinforced by an advertising campaign that began today. “Hurricane Bertha is a concrete reminder that the time to get ready is now,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police and Director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management. “It takes three simple steps: Get a kit of emergency supplies – the items that will help you stay self-sufficient for up to three days; make a plan for what you and your family will do during an emergency – including knowing how to evacuate and shelter-in-place; and stay informed of possible threats. It’s never too early to talk to friends and family members who can help you get to safety when a crisis hits.” “We are also urging citizens of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem counties who may have difficulty during an evacuation because of physical or other limitations, or lack of transportation to sign up for New Jersey’s Special Needs Registry for Disasters,” said New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Director Richard L. Cañas. “Signing up with New Jersey's Special Needs Registry for Disasters will help first responders make the best use of limited time and resources by planning to help those with limited options for evacuation during an emergency.” Fuentes and Cañas reminded members of the public that they can find additional information about how to prepare for a hurricane or other emergency at the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management’s Web site, www.Ready.NJ.gov. They also noted that there is a “Register Ready” icon on the NJOEM home page that can be clicked on to sign up for the Special Needs Registry for Disasters. In addition, Fuentes and Cañas said that the state has begun an advertising campaign to reinforce the message that citizens with special needs should sign up for the Special Needs Registry for Disasters. The campaign targets the six-county area, using radio, newspapers and outdoor advertising. In addition to the link on the NJOEM home page, people with special needs (or caregivers on their behalf) who live in the six counties currently eligible for the program are encouraged to register electronically, if possible, by directly accessing www.registerready.nj.gov. Alternatively, they can call New Jersey’s toll-free 2-1-1 telephone service. This service will register people, offer free translation, and provide TTY services for the hearing-impaired. Paper registration forms are also available from the mentioned county offices of emergency management, by contacting one of the following phone numbers or addresses:
Fuentes and Cañas also indicated that numerous community, civic, faith-based, medical, and non-profit organizations are also helping to register people with special needs.
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