Your Kits / Your Plans
Be Ready: Follow The “Three Steps to Safety”
New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) collaborates closely with federal, state, and local partners to prepare for virtually all hazards – whether natural or manmade – that could impact New Jersey’s families, communities, and businesses.
You, too, can take important steps to be ready for the unexpected. Being prepared not only helps protect you and your loved ones but also reduces the stress and uncertainty that emergencies can bring.
For New Jersey residents, the fundamentals of emergency preparedness remain consistent across all types of hazards. By following these essential steps and preparing now, you’ll be equipped to handle nearly any disaster or crisis that might affect our state.
Everyone should start with Steps One, Two, and Three below. Steps Four, Five, and Six will help you take your readiness to the next level. Don’t wait until disaster strikes – begin preparing today!
Step One: "Get A Kit" of Emergency Supplies
Home Emergency Kit
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days (minimum 3 gallons per person)
- Food: 3-day supply of non-perishable, ready-to-eat food (consider dietary needs/restrictions)
- Battery-operated radio with extra batteries
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- One Week’s supply of prescription medications (plus over-the-counter meds)
- Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)
- Non-electric can opener and utensils
- Special needs items (infant care, elderly, disabilities)
- Cash or travelers’ checks (small denominations)
- Important documents in a waterproof container (passports, insurance, birth certificates)
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, garbage bags
- Face masks
- Pet supplies (if applicable)
Evacuation Essentials
- Keep your vehicles gas tank at least half full
- Each family member carries contact information (work, school, out-of-state relative)
- Portable phone charger or solar charger
Additional Tips
- Check and update your kit every six months
- Customize the kit for your family’s needs
- Include seasonal items as needed (jackets, gloves, bug spray, etc.)
- Ensure the kit is accessible to all family members
- Visit the American Red Cross Disaster and Safety Library for multi-language resources
These are the Basics
Does your community need emergency supply lists and disaster information in multiple languages? Visit the American Red Cross Disaster and Safety Library to assist in preparing your home, school and workplace in multiple languages. You can also follow these additional tips on emergency food and water supplies.
Step Two: "Make A Plan" for Yourself, Your Family or Your Business
Establish a Family Emergency Plan
- Establish a Meeting Location
Choose a designated meeting place outside your home in case it becomes unsafe, or you are forced to evacuate. This location could be the home of a trusted friend or relative. Having a predetermined spot helps reduce confusion and saves valuable time during an emergency.
- Designate an Out-of-State Contact
Select a family contact who lives out of state that everyone can call or email to check in after a disaster. Ensure all family members have this person’s phone number and email address written down and saved in their phones.
- Gather Important Contact Information
Collect and organize the following for each family member
- Phone numbers (home, work, cell)
- Email addresses
- Social media profiles
- Medical contacts (Doctors, specialists, service providers)
- School information
- Create and Distribute Contact Cards
Prepare a contact card for each family member with key phone numbers and addresses. These cards should be carried at all times – in wallets, backpacks, or purses.
- Teach Basic Text Messaging Skills
Ensure every family member knows how to use a cell phone to send text messages. This includes turning the phone on, opening the messaging app, typing and sending a message.
- Identify Safe Spots in Your Home
Learn the safest places in your home for different types of disasters. For example, during a tornado, shelter in a windowless room on the lowest level of the house.
- Practice Your Emergency Plan
Review your emergency procedures regularly with all household members. Run practice drills so everyone knows what to do and were to go in different emergency scenarios.
- Know How to Shut Off Utilities
Learn how and when to turn off your home’s water, gas, and electricity at the main shut off-points. Teach all capable family members to do this safely.
- Locate and Learn how to Use the Fire Extinguisher
Show everyone in your home where the fire extinguisher is stored and how to use it properly in case of a fire.
Step Three: "Stay Informed" of Possible Threats
Stay Informed: Know the Risks in Your Community
Understanding the potential hazards in your area and staying informed about developing emergencies is a vital part of being prepared.
- Connect with Local Resources
Contact your Local Office of Emergency Management (OEM) or your nearest American Red Cross chapter.
- Ask which types of emergencies are most likely to occur in your area.
- Get guidance on how to prepare for each specific hazard.
- Know the Warning Systems
- Familiarize yourself with the emergency alerts and warning signals used in your community.
- Identify which local radio and TV stations provide emergency updates and official instructions.
- Understand Plans at Key Locations
- Learn about the emergency procedures in place at your workplace, your children school or daycare center, any other locations your family frequently visits.
- Monitor Weather and Emergency Alerts
Stay updated on Current Weather Forecasts and Alerts with:
- Local radio or TV stations
- NOAA Weather Radio or listen online
- Current Weather and Traffic from NJOEM
Visit our “Staying Informed” page for more information.
Congratulations!
You and your family have now completed the steps for basic all-hazards preparedness. This should give you a level of confidence during emergencies – but never forget Step Three. Stay Informed by listening for emergency watches and warnings, or for instructions from public safety officials. By staying informed you remain a vital partner in your family’s security.
To bring your preparedness to the next level, you can refer to the following steps:
Step Four: Financial Preparedness
Step Five: Consider Joining Citizen Corps
New Jersey Citizen Corps members are ordinary residents who provide critical support to first responders and to their fellow residents during emergencies. Undergoing Citizen Corps training is a great way to feel empowered in the event of any emergency. To learn more, visit our CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) page or call 609-963-6995.
Step Six: Get Tech Ready
According to The American Red Cross, the internet – including online news sites and social media platforms – is the third most popular way for Americans to gather emergency information and let their loved ones know they are safe.
Through the use of everyday technology, individuals, families, responders and organizations can successfully prepare for, adapt to and recover from disruptions brought on by emergencies and/or disasters. With effective planning, it is possible to take advantage of technology before, during and after a crisis to communicate with loved ones and manage your financial affairs.
Read more on the Ready.Gov