Office of Emergency Management

OEM Coordinator
Homer M. Mosley Jr.


OEM Deputy Coordinator
William Carlson
Email:  wcarlson@dunellenborough.com



PUBLIC NOTICE EMERGENCY AND DISASTER DECLARATIONS FEMA-DR-4488-NJ

3/16 @ 10:30am
Dunellen OEM/CERT Safety Saturdays (virtual) - Emergency Preparedness for Seniors (FEMA Region II Replay)


Screenshot 2024-01-12 125520


Flood Safety Terminology
• Flash Flood - A flood that can happen in a few minutes or hours of heavy rainfall, dam/levee
failure, or drains overflowing.
• Flood Watch - A message that flooding is possible.
• Flood Warning - A message that flooding will happen soon (if it hasn’t already).
• Levee/Dam - A structure to contain or prevent water from overflowing and flooding an area.
Questions You Should Ask
• How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• What is my shelter plan?
• What about my pet(s). Can I take them to the shelter?
• What is my evacuation route?
• What is my family/household communication plan?
• Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
Steps You Should Take
• Make a family emergency communication plan and include pets.
• Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, and in the car.
• Include your pets in your emergency plans. Build a separate emergency kit for your pets
• Make sure and keep digital records and/or pictures to identify your pet after a disaster in case
you become separated.
• Create a list of places that accept pets if an emergency happens.
• Check on your neighbors to make sure they’re okay.
• Know what to do before, during, and after a flood.
• Flood insurance takes 30 days to take effect, so purchase now to protect your family!
• Listen to local officials by radio, TV or social media.
• Evacuate when advised by authorities or if you are in a flood or flash flood prone area.
• If you are on high ground above flooded areas, being prepared to stay where you are may be the
best protection.
• Never drive or walk through flooded streets; Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Do not go through flood
waters. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing
water can carry away SUVs and trucks.

MORE …
Flood Prep & Planning
https://www.floodsmart.gov/first-prepare-flooding
Flood Insurance
https://www.floodsmart.gov/policy-terms


Know Your Property’s Flood Risk
Access local flood map by address
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
According to FEMA, “If you live in an area with low or moderate flood risk, you are 5 times
more likely to experience flood than a fire in your home over the next 30 years. For many, a
National Flood Insurance Program's flood insurance policy could cost less than $400 per
year.”
Track Area Rivers
Green Brook
https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=phi&gage=grbn4
Bound Brook
https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=phi&gage=mdsn4
Raritan River
https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=phi&gage=mnvn4

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Emergency management is a means of responding to large-scale emergencies or disasters.

There are four phases to the emergency management model: 1) Mitigation, 2) Preparedness, 3) Response and 4) Recovery.

Mitigation: Refers to actions taken before an event occurs to prevent or lessen the impact the event has to life and property. Examples of mitigation include; building codes, zoning ordinances, grant funding, and training.

Preparedness: Refers to activities, actions, procurements, planning, training and inter-jurisdictional cooperation designed to increase response readiness to identified hazards the community faces.

Response: Mobilization of resources to meet the needs of the community in response to the nature of the disaster. Mobilization includes local, county, state and federal resources as necessary. Response is usually associated with the period of time immediately after the event and necessary to ensure life safety issues are handled. Examples include; Fire and EMS services,
Search and Rescue, debris removal, public works activities and law enforcement.

Recovery: Refers to long term mobilization of support operations that work toward returning the community to its pre-event condition.

The purpose of the Office of Emergency Management is to coordinate the activities of various town departments responsible for continued operations during disasters, coordinate inter-local agreements for resource utilization, communicate with state and federal agencies, and provide education and training. Ultimately, the purpose of emergency management is to increase the town's capabilities to respond to the hazard that threaten the Town, all the while, preventing or reducing the impact of the hazards on the community.

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Middlesex County launches Special Needs Registry (SNR) to enhance emergency response

The registry is intended to help first responders better assist residents with special needs in the event of an emergency

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Middlesex County officially launches the Special Needs Registry (SNR) to enhance the safety of its residents with special needs. This no-cost, voluntary service led by the Office of the County Prosecutor, is open to individuals with special needs residing, working, or attending school in the County, aiming to provide crucial information to first responders in the event of an emergency.

In addition to offering valuable details about individuals with mental or physical disabilities, the SNR provides registrants with a distinctive decal for their residence's front entrance and vehicle windows. This visual aid facilitates efficient communication and response from emergency personnel. The use of the decals by registrants is strictly voluntary and is not required.

Individuals can register themselves or be registered by a family member or caretaker by visiting middlesexcounty.gov/specialneedsregistry and supplying essential personal identifiers to a secure database such as name, address, date of birth, height, weight, emergency contacts, and specific details about their special needs. The process ensures a comprehensive and accurate snapshot that aids first responders in their efforts during a crisis or an emergency.

“At the core of our priorities are the safety and well-being of both our dedicated first responders and our residents. The launch of the Special Needs Registry underscores our commitment to fostering a community where safety is paramount,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “Through this initiative, we are not just creating a safer environment, but also paving the way for a brighter future for everyone in Middlesex County.”

“We are excited to implement the Special Needs Registry, recognizing its vital role in ensuring that every resident with special needs receives the necessary help and support in times of emergency or interactions with law enforcement,” said Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone. “This initiative is a testament to our unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of our community. I look forward to continuing to work with key partners to ensure this vital tool is available to everyone, no matter where an individual works or resides."

“We applaud Prosecutor Ciccone and her colleagues for their passion and commitment to vulnerable communities. Specific and timely information for first responders can make all the difference in an emergency situation,” said Autism New Jersey Executive Director Dr. Suzanne Buchanan. “Launching a special needs registry in Middlesex County is another milestone in the ongoing effort to make New Jersey safer for individuals with disabilities. Autism New Jersey is proud to be working collaboratively with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and other state, county, and municipal leaders to promote registries and other disability-friendly practices statewide.”

The SNR is designed to assist individuals facing challenges in emergencies or police encounters. It is only intended to provide information regarding anyone who would need extra assistance in times of emergency, or who has a mental or physical condition, encompassing conditions such as autism, mobility issues, dementia or Alzheimer’s, cognitive impairments, and more. Residents and loved ones of those with special needs are strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible.

For more information or to register now, please visit middlesexcounty.gov/specialneedsregistry. If individuals encounter difficulty registering online, they can reach out via email at SNR@co.middlesex.nj.us or call 732-745-3300.