South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization

Emergency Preparedness

Natural disasters pose a significant threat to people worldwide, so it is important for residents to do everything possible to protect their families, themselves, and their property from these potentially devastating events.

Natural Disasters

In light of climate change, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and inflicting more damage. In the SJTPO region, the sea level has risen nearly six inches since 1980, putting an increased number of New Jersey homes at risk of frequent flooding by 110%. The disaster safety resources, listed below, provide useful safety tips for natural disasters that have impacted and will likely have a future impact on the SJTPO region and its residents.

  • Flooding: Did you know flooding is the number one natural disaster occurrence in the United States? Find out what to do before, during, and after a flood impacts your property with HomeAdvisor’s Flash Flood Safety and Damage Prevention Guide
  • Nor’easters: While not quite as common as flooding or some other hazards, South Jersey is prone to nor’easters, which are a significant type of storm generally originating in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Nor’easters are usually accompanied by very heavy rain or snow, and can cause severe coastal flooding, coastal erosion, hurricane-force winds, or blizzard conditions.  Learn how to prepare for a nor’easter or a severe winter storm using the National Weather Service’s Winter Preparedness Guide
  • Hurricanes: South Jersey is occasionally impacted by Hurricanes. To help you and your household prepare for hurricanes, visit the Ready.gov webpage on Hurricane Safety.
  • Tornadoes: The South Jersey region is increasing experiencing more tornadoes. During the summer of 2019 alone, 5 tornadoes touched down in New Jersey.  To establish an action plan in the event of a tornado, read Basement Guides’ Tornado Safety Guide.
  • Nuclear Generating Stations: The SJTPO region is home to two nuclear generating stations, the Salem and Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations in Salem County, owned and operated by the Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG).  The process used to generate nuclear energy produces radiation as a by-product, which can be unhealthy if people are exposed to too much of it.  For further information on what to do in the event of a nuclear emergency, see PSEG’s Emergency Plan for New Jersey and Delaware
  • Droughts: Southern New Jersey is also subject to droughts. To learn how you and your household can manage during a drought, visit the Ready.gov webpage on Drought Safety

Personal Preparedness

The following resources can be used by residents to prepare and plan for natural disaster emergencies.

Having a plan for you and your household will help you manage any natural or man-made hazard. See the websites below for more guidance on how to make a plan and prepare your home.

Business Preparedness

The following resources can be used by business owners and managers to prepare for natural disaster emergencies. The following websites aid in preparing an Emergency Response Plan:

State/County-Specific Emergency Management Websites

Much of the day-to-day emergency management and preparedness activity falls outside of the purview of the MPO itself and under the New Jersey State Office of Emergency Management (OEM) as well as individual county and municipal offices of emergency management. The websites for the state and county offices of emergency management are listed below: