PreparednessNew Jersey enacts new disaster preparedness law

On Tuesday New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signednew legislation into law designed to bolster state emergency preparedness.

The new law, based on recommendations from a legislative task force formed after Hurricane Katrina and Rita, is primarily aimed at addressing key emergency response activities like shelters, evacuation plans, and critical infrastructure protection.

“Updating our emergency plans is critical to ensuring that we are prepared for any weather activity that comes our way,” said State Senator Jeff Van Drew, the bill’s sponsor. 
“This process is particularly important to protecting our residents in the event a large-scale storm directly impacts the coast. This law will set into motion actions that are crucial to improving the state’s overall emergency preparedness,” Drew added.

Among the law’s many provisions, a team of experts is required to identify short and long term shelter facilities and critical infrastructure that needs alternative power generators. In addition the Department of Health and Human Services must create a statewide evacuation plan for hospitals and other health care facilities.

The law officially goes into effect on the first day of the thirteenth month following its signing, but the state’s director of emergency management is authorized to begin making anticipatory moves in advance of the start date.