Blog
Welcome to NJ 211's Blog! Explore different topics surrounding our organization, including:
- Program highlights
- Team member and partner introductions
- Specific updates for our New Jersey neighbors
Details about 211 on a larger scale
and more!
Check out our Blog Archives for more.
Being Prepared for a Disaster
Disasters of any kind can come without warning; preparedness cannot, and should not, be left up to luck. If you’re looking for a sign to revisit your family plan, or to update or build your emergency kit(s), this is it!
Are you starting an emergency preparedness plan from scratch?
- Make a Plan: Having a plan for when disaster strikes help to make sure everyone in your household is on the same page.
- Build a Kit: A disaster kit can help you and your family survive on your own for several days. Include basic items that you may need in the event of an emergency and store the kit in a designated spot that is easily accessible.
- Triple up on your emergency preparedness by creating an emergency kit for the car and one for your place of work.
- Establish ways to stay informed: Download apps like the FEMA app to get weather alerts from the National Weather Service and sign up for text messages to get updates from FEMA. Make sure your electronics are charged or have a backup battery available to keep yourself connected!
- For New Jersey specific information, visit New Jersey’s Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) tips for staying informed.
NJ 211 has created several webpages dedicated to disaster response:
- Disaster Preparation and Safety Tips for staying safe before and during a disaster
- Emergency Preparedness Tips for national and county resources
- For NJ residents with Behavioral Health Needs: Disaster Resources
- For NJ residents with a Disability: NJ Register Ready
For more important tips and guidance in creating an emergency plan, visit:
- New Jersey Office of Emergency Management | ReadyNJ for Preparedness Tips from NJOEM
- Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov for Preparedness Tips from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Raising Awareness for TBIs
Outside of our core 211 Service, NJ 211 works with different state, county/city, nonprofit, and private partners to offer programs and initiatives that connect New Jersey callers to specific resources. One of these programs ties closely to the month of March: Brain Injury Awareness Month.
In partnership with New Jersey’s Division of Disability Services, NJ 211 provides information about Traumatic Brain Injury, more commonly known as “TBI”. On top of bringing awareness to this disability that can occur from common injuries like falls, motor vehicle crashes, assault/domestic violence, or self-inflicted injuries, NJ 211 shares prevention tips and resources like the Traumatic Brain Injury Fund that can help survivors and their loved ones navigate their new lives with a TBI, and the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey whose work supports anyone impacted by a brain injury.
Partnerships like this strengthen our mission of being a trusted and versatile hub for New Jersey residents looking for support with various health and human service needs. Bringing these resources to the surface in an accessible manner helps ensure everyone has the ability to find the help they need.
Visit our Traumatic Brain Injury Program page to learn more.
The Rundown on "Code Blue"
Have you ever scrolled through social media, seen a post talking about a “Code Blue" alert, and wondered, “what is that”? With a winter as cold as this one, Code Blue posts may have popped up on your feed once or twice.
A Code Blue alert happens when temperatures have or are expected to drop below freezing, and conditions are considered unsafe for those living unsheltered. Code Blue season typically runs from November to March, depending on the weather.
In the event a Code Blue alert is activated for your county, this means that additional shelter arrangements including designated warming centers are open to provide unsheltered county residents a warm, safe place to stay during the activation period. In New Jersey, each county is responsible for watching the upcoming weather, making the Code Blue declaration, and establishing warming centers for their residents.
NJ 211 helps each county share this information by keeping an up-to-date list of current Code Blue activations and warming centers on our New Jersey Code Blue webpage. Our community resource specialists are available to ensure all New Jersey residents can find the information they need to make a plan during these times.
Now that you know the rundown on Code Blue, share this information with your community! Visit our New Jersey Code Blue webpage or text “njcodeblue” to 898-211 to find a list of current Code Blue activations and warming centers. Stay warm, NJ!