PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

For Release:
06/03/2015

Mary E. O'Dowd, M.P.H.
Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160

Christie Administration Encourages Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Season

The start of summer also marks the beginning of hurricane season and New Jersey Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd encourages everyone to prepare now for hurricanes and other extreme weather events.

The Atlantic Hurricane season begins on June 1 and runs through November 30.

"Weather events can be unpredictable so it is crucial to prepare for all emergencies before they occur, whether they are hurricanes or other events," O'Dowd said. "Now is the time to review emergency plans and update emergency kits. Emergency kits should contain contact information for doctors, spare eye glasses, extra batteries for hearing aids and an up-to-date list of medications and prescriptions. If possible, make sure you have enough medications to last two weeks. Preparing now can save lives later."

There are basic steps that residents, businesses, and visitors can take to increase their individual level of preparedness for a hurricane or any type of emergency event. These measures include: 

Prepare an Emergency Go-Bag, which includes items such as, bottled water, battery-powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries, non-perishable foods, and necessary prescription drugs. Remember to include extra cash in the event ATMs are not working. Remember to maintain at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle.

Make a Family Emergency Plan, which will ensure your family members know where to go, whom to contact, and how to remain in contact should family members become separated during an emergency.

Stay Informed: knowing information such as local evacuation routes, the location of nearby shelters, what to do before and during a flood, and other basic safety tips can help you and your family remain safe-especially during the first few hours of a hurricane or any other emergency.

Specific safety tips and additional information about hurricane preparedness can be found on the Department's website at http://www.nj.gov/health/er/hurricane.shtml, or at www.ready.nj.gov the official website of the NJ Office of Emergency Management.

Follow the New Jersey Department of Health on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NJDeptofhealth

Last Reviewed: 6/3/2015