By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced as hurricane season begins in June, the Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is dedicated to not only recovering and rebuilding after natural disasters and catastrophic incidents, but also proactively preparing residents for potential storms.
To ensure awareness, officials said, the County has launched the public service announcement campaign, "Be Smart. Be Ready."
Officials say this initiative aims to emphasize the importance of emergency preparedness, as emergencies often strike without warning.
Residents can visit middlesexcountynj.gov/BeReady for important tips that can save lives, time, and money, authorities say.
“Preparedness is our best defense against the unpredictable nature of hurricanes. By taking proactive steps now, we can ensure the safety and resilience of our community,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.
“Let’s work together to be ready and stay safe.”
According to officials, with AccuWeather forecasting 20 to 25 named storms in the Atlantic basin for 2024—significantly higher than the 13 to 17 predicted for 2023—Middlesex County urges residents to take preemptive measures to ensure their safety and resilience.
Here are some essential tips to prepare:
-Create a Family Emergency Plan: Emergencies are unpredictable and can occur at any time. Having a family emergency plan is crucial for when a natural or human-made disaster impacts your community, officials said.
-Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit: Along with your emergency plan, equip your family with an emergency supply kit, officials say. This kit should be ready in case you are confined to your home or need to evacuate
-Stay Informed ― Sign Up for Local Emergency Alert System: Staying informed during a disaster is vital. Sign up for local emergency alert systems to receive the latest news and weather updates. For a list of municipal OEM Coordinators and Township Offices to sign up for emergency alerts, click here, officials stated.
Officials say for additional tips and updates in the case of an emergency, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/BeReady or contact the Office of Emergency Management at 732-316-7100.