The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is operated out of the Collingswood Fire Department.
There are practical ways to prepare for the unexpected and reduce the stress you may feel should an emergency arise. For Collingswood residents, the basics of preparedness for virtually all hazards are the same. Following these steps and being ready NOW means you will be ready for a disaster or crisis that may affect New Jersey.
Everyone should follow Steps One, Two and Three below. Get started NOW - BEFORE a disaster takes place!
BE READY: Follow the "Three Steps to Safety"
Step one: "GET A KIT" of emergency supplies
ITEMS FOR YOUR HOME:
• 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
• SPECIAL NEEDS items:
-INFANT care items
-Items for ELDERLY family members
-Items for relatives with DISABILITIES
• CASH or TRAVELERS CHECKS
•Store important DOCUMENTS in a waterproof, safe location
IN CASE YOU NEED TO EVACUATE:
• Keep your vehicle's gas level at a minimum of half-a-tank.
• 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.
Step two: "MAKE A PLAN" for Yourself, Your Family or Your Business
First, follow the easy-to-use instructions in “Your Family Emergency Plan,” available here from the American Red Cross.
If you have Disabilities or other Special Needs:
• Read these Preparedness Tips for Individuals with Disabilities. You can download a Register Ready Guide here!
• Register with the state's Register Ready program so that your local emergency staff knows of the assistance you might need during an evacuation or other emergencies.
If you Do Not Own a Car or Cannot Drive:
• Contact the fire department for details on the evacuation plans for transit-dependent individuals.
• Make plans with a neighbor who does drive.
If you have Pets:
• Read these Preparedness Tips for Your Pet. Disaster shelters cannot accept pets other than ADA assistance animals. You must plan accordingly.
If you want to do more, learn what it means when Public Safety Officials order you to:
• Shelter at Home
• Evacuate
• Take Health-Related Actions
Step three: "STAY INFORMED" of Possible Threats
It is important to know about the risks that may happen in your community, and to know whether an emergency is imminent or is already taking place.
Contact the fire department and
• Ask which Types of Emergency are most likely in your area, and how to prepare for each.
• Learn about the warning signals that will be used in your community.
• Learn about the local radio and TV stations you should tune into for emergency alerts and official instructions.
Learn about the disaster plans for your workplace, your children's school or day care center and other places where your family spends time.
Keep track of current weather forecasts and alerts with:
• Local radio or TV stations
• NOAA Weather Radio - or listen online
• NJOEM's Weather Links
National Terrorism Advisory System
The National Terrorism Advisory System, or NTAS, replaces the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS). This new system will more effectively communicate information about terrorist threats by providing timely, detailed information to the public, government agencies, first responders, airports and other transportation hubs and the private sector. It recognizes that Americans all share responsibility for the nation's security, and should always be aware of the heightened risk of terrorist attack in the United States and what they should do.
Learn More on the NTAS page here.