Plan & Prepare

Southern NJ Severe Storms - June 30, 2012

On June 30th, New Jersey was impacted by a severe storm called a "Super Derecho." To see a National Weather Service Briefing regarding this event, click here: (PDF Briefing)

The NJ State Emergency Operations Center, which had already been activated for the Monmouth County Water Emergency (http://www.visitmonmouth.com/page.aspx?ID=4076), has remained activated since that time. Additionally, NJ State Departments - Transportation, Human Services, Environmental Protection, the Board of Public Utilities, the National Guard and the NJ Department of Health – are involved with the NJ State Police Office of Emergency Management in responding to the event.

The severe storms resulted in widespread power outages, road closures, debris, downed wires and other significant hazards. Atlantic, Salem and Cumberland Counties declared a State of Emergency as a result of the event. Cooling centers and shelters opened, due to a period of excessive heat which followed the storm.

Damage assessments took place immediately after the event, and the NJOEM is now working with FEMA to determine whether NJ can apply for federal assistance under the Stafford Act.

All residents and businesses that have experienced damage to their property as a result of the storm are advised to contact their insurance company and open a claim for damages. All municipal and county officials should continue to work with their respective offices of emergency management and gather data/damage reports to be forwarded to the State for review.

Persons with unmet needs should contact 2-1-1, New Jersey’s Helpline.

For more information regarding disaster recovery and the PDA process please access the following web resources:

NJ 2-1-1 Call Center: Call 2-1-1 or click www.nj211.org; Free 24-hour statewide service - putting people in need of assistance, in-touch with people who can help.

DR-4070 - Presidential Disaster Declaration July 19th, 2012

• FEMA Webpage for this Disaster Declaration: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4070
  Governor Chris Christie Announces Federal Disaster Aid Approved for 3 New Jersey Counties for Storm Damage Incurred from June 30, 2012 Storm

Atlantic County Storm Information Page: www.readyatlantic.org

Disaster Food Safety
US Department of Agriculture's "Consumers Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes" and "Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency," as well as other materials, through the Food and Drug Safety Program's website at: www.state.nj.us/health/foodanddrugsafety/index.shtml. The website also contains English and Spanish videos on food safety during power outages and handling food safely after a natural disaster. The link can be found by visiting the "For Consumers" tab, then clicking on "Food Disaster Planning."

Center for Disease Control Food Safety Page - "Prevent Illness From Food and Water After a Hurricane or Flood," located at: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/foodwater.asp.

Generator Safety
US Fire Administration Portable Generator Safety Page: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/co/generator.shtm

NJ Disaster Mental Health Helpline - Emotional support for people affected by disasters or other overwhelming events is available by calling New Jersey Mental HealthCares' Disaster Mental Health Helpline toll free at (877) 294-HELP (4357), where experienced crisis counselors can be reached. A TTY line is also available at (877) 294-4356.

Safely Cleaning Up After a Storm - http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/documents/FR170.pdf

FEMA/Preliminary Damage Assessment/Disaster Assistance Programs Overview:

FEMA Background Information: www.fema.gov
Disaster Declaration Process: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/dproc.shtm
PDA's: http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/pda.shtm
Individual Assistance Info: http://www.fema.gov/assistance/process/individual_assistance.shtm
Public Assistance Info: http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm