- Be prepared! Visit ready.nj.gov for information on how to prepare for: home, work, and your vehicle. Have an emergency kit/go-bag for all three locations.
- Pets are family too! Remember to include them in your emergency plans. Visit animalemergency.nj.gov to find out more.
- NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working before a storm.
- Know how to report a power outage to your utility company.
- Have cash on hand. If the power is out, so are the ATMs and credit card machines.
- Charge your cell phones and try not to use them if the power goes out. Texting uses less power than a phone call, so send text messages to save power if possible.
- Be sure to keep an adequate amount of gas in your car.
- Be sure to check on friends and neighbors who have access or functional needs.
- Need a warming center? Call NJ 2-1-1 or visit www.nj211.org to get connected!
- Be sure to have extra medications on hand and keep them in a water-resistant container.
- Get all of your vital records and insurance papers together now. Keep them in a water-resistant container. If you can, scan and email them to yourself so you have a copy of important numbers and policies.
- Discuss business continuity plans now. Whether you are the boss or report to a boss, discuss your game plan for continued business operations.
- Check 511nj.org for traffic updates before you hit the road.
- Be sure to have a full tank of gas before you start your trip.
- Follow directions from local officials.
- Take it slow!
- Don’t crowd the plow! Give them plenty of room to work and never pass a snow plow on the right.
- Keep a winter weather kit in your car, containing an ice scraper, blanket, flashlight with extra batteries, bag of kitty litter, shovel and charged cell phone, as well as reflective triangles or flares, cloth or paper towels and jumper cables.
Follow New Jersey Office of Emergency Management on social media for important weather updates and safety information:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReadyNewJersey
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ReadyNJ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ReadyNJ