There are many efforts underway throughout New Jersey to enhance the safety and security of people with disabilities. At all levels of government, community leaders have been developing and implementing a variety of targeted public safety measures.
NJ Department of Law & Public Safety
The NJ Department of Law and Public Safety (DLPS), headed by the Attorney General, has broad oversight of the state's legal and law enforcement matters.
The NJ State Police mission is to protect, preserve, and safeguard the constitutional and civil rights of all citizens through impartial law enforcement. The NJ State Police ensures public safety.
NJ Office of Emergency Management
The NJ Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) mission is to coordinate and direct emergency response during disasters and public safety crises. NJOEM, under the direction of the NJ State Police Superintendent, is made up of five Bureaus.
The following Offices and Programs are administered by NJOEM:
Access and Functional Needs Coordinator
People with Disabilities and Access and Functional Needs (AFN) often need additional time and assistance to prepare for a disaster. Housed in every County Office of Emergency Management is an Access and Functional Needs Coordinator.
NJ Register Ready is a program that allows New Jersey residents with disabilities or access and functional needs and their families, friends, and caregivers an opportunity to provide personal information to emergency response agencies through a free, secure, and voluntary database. This information is used by emergency managers and first responders to better plan for and support people with disabilities and access and functional needs (DAFN) who may need extra assistance during disasters. Contact your County Office of Emergency Management or Center for Independent Living to register. You may also register online or by telephone through 2-1-1 or 877-652-1148.
NJ Department of Human Services
The NJ Department of Human Services (DHS) has eight Divisions and many programs that offer a range of services and supports, including those related to individuals with disabilities. DHS manages programs for families with low income, food assistance, child care, healthcare, addiction support, mental health services, independent living supports, personal care services, and health insurance through NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid).
NJ Department of Human Services Office of Emergency Management
The NJ Department of Human Services Office of Emergency Management (DHSOEM) works closely with the NJ State Police NJOEM in the development of the State's Emergency Operations Plan (SEOP) to provide shelter, food, emergency supplies, and assist in family reunification during times of crisis or disaster.
NJ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services
The NJ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services has a specialized mental health Disaster and Terrorism Branch, which provides Individual crisis counseling, psychological first aid, disaster-specific psycho-educational information, group crisis counseling, consultation and training, information and referral services, and a toll-free warm line.
NJ GAINED
Individuals with access and functional needs may have issues related to communication, medical care, supervision, transportation, and/or maintaining independence before, during and after disasters. The NJ Group for Access and Integration Needs in Emergencies and Disasters (NJ GAINED) was formed to identify issues likely to affect AFN populations as they prepare to respond to large-scale emergencies or disasters, as well as emergency management personnel as they attempt to assist persons with AFN before, during, and after adverse conditions.
County Sheriff Offices
Many of New Jersey's 21-county Sheriff Offices administer the Project Lifesaver Search and Rescue Program. Project Lifesaver is a 501 (C)(3) community based, public safety, non-profit organization that provides law enforcement, fire/rescue, and caregivers with a program designed to protect, and when necessary, quickly locate individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to the life-threatening behaviors of wandering and elopement.
In 2023 the State Search and Rescue (SAR) Program was awarded funding to purchase locative technology for county-based Project Lifesaver programs. This equipment will be distributed upon request and based on need and availability. To request this locative technology for your agency, a formal email referencing this Program Directive must be sent to the Search and Rescue Unit from your Agency Project Lifesaver Program Coordinator.
State Search and Rescue (SAR) Program Contact Info: insar@njsp.gov and 732-528-3040
US Centers for Disease Control
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintains a website of Disability and Health Emergency Preparedness resources.
US Department of Homeland Security
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is charged with securing the nation and making it safe.
US Federal Emergency Management Agency
US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)'s mission is to help people before, during and after disasters, and our guiding principles help us achieve it. It is housed under the DHS. FEMA is charged with working with State and Local government agencies to assist them with developing emergency management programs.
The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program's (DAIP) mission is to provide disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance through joint data-sharing efforts between federal, tribal, state, local, and private sector partners. These resources can help people with disabilities or access and functional needs learn how to prepare for disasters.
Launched in February 2003, Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement. The site hosts a resource page of information that will help people with disabilities plan ahead for disasters.
Official Site of The State of New Jersey