“Preparedness is more than a checklist. It is a commitment to protecting our families, neighbors, and communities,” said Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson, liaison to Somerset County Public Health and Safety. “National Preparedness Month reminds us that readiness is a shared responsibility. By taking simple steps today, we strengthen Somerset County’s ability to respond and recover together when emergencies occur.”
This year’s national theme, Americans Stand Ready, encourages individuals and families to take pride in their ability to prepare for, protect against, and recover from emergencies.
Make A Plan
Planning ahead allows families to act quickly and safely when a disaster occurs. Every household should consider the needs of older adults, children, pets, people with disabilities, and those with chronic health conditions. A clear plan reduces confusion and helps ensure that everyone knows what to do when conditions change.
“When residents are prepared, it helps our first responders focus on getting resources to neighbors in areas most affected by an emergency,” said Somerset County Director of Health and Health Officer Himanshi Bhatt. “This month, we are asking residents to consider reaching out to neighbors and loved ones to support them in developing their emergency plan and helping them register for emergency alerts to ensure they stay informed and know where to go to get important information and updates throughout an emergency.”
Households should decide how they will communicate if phone service is disrupted or if they become separated. It is helpful to choose an out-of-area contact who can help relay information. Selecting a meeting location that everyone can reach safely also supports reunification. Keeping a charged phone and a backup power source available in case of outages ensures that loved ones can reconnect and stay informed even when normal communication channels are unavailable.
Residents can also create safety profiles with medical and personal information for each family member that would be displayed to 911 operators during an emergency. Sign up for Smart911 for free at: https://www.smart911.com/
Build An Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit helps residents stay safe and comfortable until help arrives. Include medications, important documents, and supplies tailored to your household’s needs.
A basic emergency kit should include:
For a more comprehensive list of recommended emergency kit items, visit: https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/ready_supply-kit-checklist.pdf
Know Your Hazard
Understanding the hazards that may affect your household is the foundation of preparedness. Knowing what risks exist helps residents identify the steps they need to take to stay safe.
“Emergency Preparedness Month is an important reminder that emergencies can happen at any time, often with little or no warning. Preparedness begins before the emergency, by understanding our risks, having a plan, knowing how we will communicate, and being ready to take action,” said Somerset County Director of Office of Emergency Management Lisa Werner. “As emergency managers, we work every day to prepare our communities, but preparedness is a shared responsibility. The simple steps we take today can make a significant difference in protecting our families, our communities, and one another when an emergency occurs.”
Stay Informed
Subscribe to local alerts such as Nixle. Resident can rely on official County and municipal sources for accurate information. Sign up for Somerset County emergency alerts at: https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/about/emergency-alertsm
Understanding 911 Communications
Residents should know how to reach 911, be ready to clearly explain the situation, and understand that 911 is for emergencies only.
“Preparedness doesn’t begin when an emergency happens, it begins long before the phone rings. Taking a few simple steps now, like knowing how to contact 911, signing up for Smart91, and having a family communication plan, can make a significant difference when something unexpected happens,” said Somerset County Director of 911 Communications Center Jason Lezcano. “When our residents are prepared and know where to turn for reliable information, it allows our 911 dispatchers and first responders to focus their resources where they are needed most.”
Text to 911 is available in Somerset County when a voice call is not possible. Making sure your address is easy to find with clear and visible house numbers, especially at night or during severe weather, helps responders locate you quickly. Residents living in apartments or condominiums can help responders reach them without delay by providing their exact apartment number, floor level, building identifier, and any required access code to the dispatcher.
Get Involved
Join a Community Emergency Response Team, known as CERT, to learn basic disaster response skills. Training includes fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT volunteers strengthen community resilience and support neighbors during emergencies.
Residents interested in joining a CERT can apply for the free Fall 2026 training and submit both required forms by the September 14 deadline at: https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/government/public-health-safety/emergency-management/cert-volunteers
National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder that readiness is built through steady, everyday actions. When residents learn their local hazards, create a family plan, build an emergency kit, stay informed, and support one another, they strengthen both their own safety and the resilience of the entire community.
“Preparedness is a shared effort, and the choices made today help protect families, neighbors, and the County throughout the year,” said Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson.
About Somerset County Department of Health
The Somerset County Department of Health (SCDOH) promotes, protects, and enhances the health of our community through public health leadership, proactive planning and partnerships, and the advancement of public health services with health equity. SCDOH provides and supports essential public health services to our contracted communities, as well as services throughout the County and the region. SCDOH is the lead agency responsible for countywide Public Health emergency planning and response activities.
About Somerset County 911 Communications Center
The Somerset County 911 Communications Center serves as a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) responsible for receiving, processing, and coordinating emergency and non-emergency communications for more than 50 public safety agencies throughout Somerset and Middlesex Counties. The Center provides 911 call-taking and emergency dispatch services for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services, serving as a critical link between the public and the emergency resources responsible for protecting their communities.
Through trained communications professionals, advanced technology, and coordinated interagency operations, the Center facilitates the timely and effective deployment of emergency resources and supports public safety agencies throughout the response process.
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