Disaster Preparation and Safety Tips
At NJ 211, we know how scary it can be when a natural disaster is heading toward New Jersey, or when disasters or public emergencies occur. Our services include tips for staying safe before and during a disaster as well as post-disaster resources to help with life issues.
You can go to our Emergency Preparedness page for details and links to resources for you and your family anytime.
During times of emergency or disaster, we post notices about evacuation routes and other pertinent disaster-related details for residents as soon as vital information is given to us by agencies or municipalities. We recommend visiting the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management webpage to receive key information during emergencies and disasters.
Prepare Before a Disaster
There need not be imminent danger ahead to prepare in advance for a disaster. Take these steps now and when the threat of a hurricane or tropical storm, severe flooding, wildfires, and other events appear. Preparation is power!
- Put together an emergency kit and emergency plan
- Charge your cell phones
- Fill up your car’s gas tank
- Stay tuned to News12 NJ (Channel 12) for updates
- Visit your local and county websites and social media pages for evacuation, shelter, and road closure updates
- Go to New Jersey Office of Emergency Management website for updates
- Enroll in your municipality’s emergency alert system (if available)
- Prepare your home against high winds, flying debris, floodwaters, and icy conditions bring in or secure outdoor items, board the windows, get sandbags, shovels, and salt
Safety Tips during a Disaster
It’s important to remain calm when disaster strikes. Staying abreast of emergency service updates helps. NJ 211 recommends the following safety tips during a disaster:
- Shelter in place, away from windows in an interior room
- Contact your utility company if the power goes out
- If you must be on the road, avoid driving through water
- Stay informed via Channel 12 news and your municipal and county websites and social media pages
To avoid overwhelming the 911 system, we urge residents to only dial 911 if you are experiencing an urgent, emergency need for safety. If you cannot connect to 911 during a life-threatening emergency, our call center supervisor can escalate your call to the State Emergency Operation Center.
What to do After a Disaster
Our immediate focus within 24 72 hours after a disaster hits is your safety. Remember that first responders are busy handling rescues and municipalities are assessing damage and managing road closures.
- Residents are urged to stay off the roads while emergency personnel are addressing urgent situations in the community.
- Remember to report a power outage to your utility
- Take photos and contact your insurance company about damage to your home and possessions
- Check your local Office of Emergency Management for announcements about shelters that are open
- Wait for local or state officials to call for volunteers
NJ 211 is here to provide valuable information. We will create a website banner that will be displayed on our homepage with real-time information and updates on resources to address residents’ needs. If you need help, look for the popups with the latest disaster-related services and recommendations. You can always search for other services that are not related to disaster assistance at www.nj211.org and search in our "Need Help? Start Here" box.
Emergency services in NJ are robust. Urgent needs will be escalated from town/city to county to the State Office of Emergency Management as needed. The State may declare a state of emergency for your county or the entire state, which provides officials with certain resources.
24/7 Hotline Assistance
Once NJ 211 is activated by the State, the public can call our center any time of day or night for available information about:
- Evacuation routes, emergency kits, and general preparation tips
- Safety recommendations
- Post-event updates and referrals for shelter, food and water, cleanup, and FEMA registration
Opt in to ReadyNJ Messaging
NJ 211 has an automated text messaging platform designed to help prepare New Jersey residents for emergencies and keep them informed when disaster strikes.
To opt into this service, simply text ReadyNJ to 898-211. You’ll be asked a few questions to register.
If you or a family member has special needs, you will also be advised to enroll in NJ Register Ready, New Jersey’s Special Needs Registry for disaster planning.
During non-emergency times, you will receive a monthly emergency preparedness tip via text important things to do or know in advance of a disaster. Should a disaster strike, NJ 211 sends text updates with critical information regarding safety, evacuation, road closures, sheltering, and more.
Emergency Information via Phone, Text, Chat and Web
Residents can easily stay connected with the information they need online, 24/7 before, during and after a disaster event.
Phone Email
Dial 211. TTY dial 711 info@NJ211.org
Text Chat
Text zip code to 898-211 Click here to chat
