September marks National Emergency Preparedness Month, a time to focus on safety, readiness, and community resilience. Morris County officials are urging residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families by embracing the ABC method of emergency preparedness: sign up for Alerts, Build a Plan, and Communicate the Plan.
Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen emphasized the importance of individual responsibility in preparedness. “Morris County is well-equipped to respond to all types of emergencies,” Selen said. “The Office of Emergency Management is an incredible resource, and taking advantage of the tools they offer strengthens not just your family’s safety, but the resilience of the entire community.”
The ABC method is designed to give households a clear roadmap for readiness. Signing up for Alerts ensures residents receive timely notifications about severe weather, public safety incidents, and other urgent situations through text, email, social media, or the county website. Building a Plan involves creating a written emergency strategy that covers evacuation routes, essential supplies, medical needs, and care for pets. Residents with disabilities or functional needs can register with the New Jersey Special Needs Registry to receive priority assistance during emergencies. Communicating the Plan means making sure all family members understand procedures, know emergency contacts, and can access critical information. Smart911 profiles can be created to provide first responders with immediate access to personal information during an emergency.
Beyond individual preparedness, Morris County encourages residents to engage directly with their community through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). CERT offers a 20-hour training program that equips volunteers with knowledge and skills in disaster preparedness, fire suppression, basic medical operations, light search and rescue, and disaster psychology. Jeffrey Paul, director of Morris County OEM, explained that CERT members gain a deeper understanding of potential local hazards while learning how to assist their families and neighbors when first responders are stretched thin. CERT volunteers also play a key role in ongoing community safety initiatives, helping to improve readiness year-round.
For those interested in learning more about maintaining personal and family wellness during emergencies, as well as broader strategies for staying safe, Morris County residents can access comprehensive guides, templates, checklists, and resources through the Morris County OEM website and explore additional health and preparedness advice at Explore New Jersey Health & Wellness.
By following these steps, residents can enhance both personal safety and community resilience, ensuring that families are ready to respond calmly and effectively when emergencies arise.
