Protective Actions:
In the event that you have to Shelter-In-Place, Evacuate or take Health-related actions.

We are in the middle of an emergency. What do I do?

A tropical storm is approaching New Jersey . An industrial accident has released a potentially hazardous chemical into the environment. A suspected terrorist act has interrupted traffic in part of your community.

When these or other emergencies take place, the average citizen’s first thought will be, “What should I do?”

Your local, county or State emergency management officials will provide that answer by advising you to take “Protective Actions.”

Depending on the emergency, these actions might include:

  • Sheltering-In-Place, remaining in your home or workplace and protecting yourself there.
  • Evacuation, leaving the area of danger and following an Evacuation Route to a safe shelter.
  • Health-Related Actions, such as reporting to a specific location to receive medicine, or taking other actions.
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Stay tuned to your local radio or television stations. Remember: A battery-powered radio and extra batteries are a key component of your Emergency Supply Kit.

During an emergency, your local, county or State emergency management officials will notify you via Emergency Alert System broadcasts on the radio, by special statements on radio or television, or even by traveling with bullhorns in certain areas. They may also use community notification systems such as “Reverse 911,” which sends messages to home telephones.

With these messages, your emergency management officials will tell you which Public Actions to take. They may advise you to close the windows and Shelter-in-Place until further notice. Or they may advise people in parts of your community to evacuate.

When you receive these messages you should take them seriously and act immediately.

You can act now to learn about types of emergency messaging that will be used in your area, and the local radio stations you should listen to during an emergency. For details, call your local Police Department or County Office of Emergency Management.

First:

Go to the NJOEM Basic Preparedness page and follow the Three Steps to Safety:

  • “Get a Kit” of emergency supplies
  • “Make a Plan” of what to do during an emergency
  • “Stay Informed” of possible threats.

Next:

Learn about the types of emergency messaging that will be used in your area, and the local radio stations you should listen to. For details, call your local Police Department or County Office of Emergency Management.

Then:

Follow these links to learn how you can prepare to Shelter-In-Place, Evacuate or take Health-Related Actions, in case you are directed to do so during an emergency: