BASIC PREPAREDNESS: GETTING STARTED

Rutgers University works closely with our federal, state and local partners to prepare for virtually all hazards, natural or manmade, which could affect the University community. 

We have outlined a few things you can do to prepare for the unexpected and reduce the stress you may feel should an emergency arise.  Everyone should follow Steps One, Two and Three below. 

Get started NOW, BEFORE a disaster takes place!

Step One: Make a KIT

Step Two: Make a Plan

Step Three: Stay Informed

Step One: Make a KIT of Emergency Supplies
The following items are required essentials for any emergency situation.  Having these items available before an emergency arises may help you survive.

Water

Food

First aid supplies

Clothing, bedding and sanitation supplies

Tools

•

Special items

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Step Two: Make a Plan
Follow the easy-to-use instructions in “Personal Workplace Disaster Supply Kit” from the American Red Cross.

Choose an out-of-town contact your family members will call or email to check on each other, should a disaster occur. Make sure every family member has that person's contact information.

Establish a predetermined meeting place away from your home. Having a pre-arranged place to meet can save time and minimize confusion should your home be affected or the area evacuated.

This may even be the home of a friend or relative. Be sure to include your pets in your plans, since pets are not permitted in shelters and some hotels will not accept them.

REMEMBER: Your Emergency Plan is not complete until you know how you will evacuate, in case you are directed to do so.

• Call your County Office of Emergency Management or local Police Department and ask for your area's evacuation routes for all hazards.

• If you live in a coastal area refer to the maps of New Jersey's Coastal Evacuation Routes.

But remember: Evacuation routes may change in the event of an emergency. Always listen to instructions from your Emergency Management officials.

• If you depend on public transportation, ask your County OEM or local Police Department for details on the evacuation plans for transit-dependent individuals.

• If you have disabilities or other special needs that might add difficulties to an evacuation or power outage: Register with your County OEM and local Police Department.

• If you have further questions or concerns regarding persons with disabilities you may also contact the New Jersey Special Needs Advisory Panel (NJSNAP) at (609) 538-6006, or visit NJOEM’s NJSNAP web page at http://www.state.nj.us/njoem/plan/special-needs-njsnap.html.

STEP THREE: "STAY INFORMED" of Possible Threats
Follow these steps to maintain a state of readiness throughout the year:

• Know the local radio and TV stations you will tune into for emergency alerts and official instructions at http://campusstatus.rutgers.edu/.
• Remember: a battery-powered radio is a vital part of your Emergency Kit.
• To keep track of current weather and weather alerts, learn about NOAA Weather Radio or listen online at http://www.weather.gov/alerts/nj.html.
• Regularly check these links for updates on weather forecasts and road conditions in your area.
• Every six months:
• Check and replenish the supplies in your Emergency Supply Kit.
  
  
• Review your Emergency Action Plan to keep the plan updated and your family's memory fresh.