Assembly Homeland Security Chair Also Offers Advice & Tips to Help Families throughout NJ Prepare for Emergencies
Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee Chair Annette Quijano will kick off National Preparedness Month with a special event at the Roselle Public Library tonight to help residents learn how to be better prepared in the event of a disaster or emergency.
The event will take place Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 7 pm at the Roselle Public Library, 104 West Fourth Avenue, Roselle, NJ 07203. Any questions about the program can be directed to Maria Crespo or Jeanne Marie Ryan at 908-245-5809.
“New Jersey is no stranger to emergencies, whether it’s a manmade or natural disaster,’ said Quijano (D-Union). “Hurricane Irene, Hurricane Sandy, and the many severe snowstorms we’ve had are potent reminders of why we can never be too prepared. We need to learn how to be ready for these events so we can then help our neighbors be prepared as well.”
Three key features of the presentation will be the importance of putting a preparedness kit together, making a plan before an emergency strikes, and being informed during an actual emergency.
In partnership with the New Jersey State Library and the New Jersey Library Association, Quijano has worked to disseminate information about Emergency Preparedness Month (September) to public libraries throughout New Jersey, along with suggestions about how public libraries can actively participate in National Preparedness Month, including making FEMA resources easily available to community members, planning a blood drive, inviting local offices of emergency management to make a presentation, and offering children’s programming to help underscore the importance of being ready in an emergency.
“Since libraries often function as community centers, especially in difficult times, they can be a vital partner in helping our communities prepare for emergencies,” added Quijano. “I thank the Roselle Public Library for being a willing partner in this endeavor and hope other libraries throughout the state will join us.”
In the past, Quijano has partnered with the United Way of Greater Union County and the American Red Cross to stage “Are You Ready?” Emergency Preparedness Presentations as part of an awareness campaign aimed at helping New Jersey residents prepare to tackle unforeseen emergency situations.
Quijano stressed that all households should establish a plan to know exactly what to do in case a disaster occurs. Residents should also create an emergency kit with essential items in case they are asked to evacuate. Lastly, everyone is encouraged to keep informed about the kinds of disasters that are most likely to strike our region.
The Red Cross also offers a suite of free mobile apps which provide users with access to up-to-date information regarding weather and disaster threats, as well as steps to take before, during, and after a disaster or emergency. These apps are now available in Spanish as well, allowing users to alternate between English and Spanish as they wish. For more information, visit: http://www.redcross.org/prepare.