September is National Emergency Preparedness Month
Published on September 04, 2025
Morris County Encourages Residents to Sign Up for Alerts, Build a Plan & Communicate It
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners and the Morris County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) are urging residents to strengthen their readiness this September, which is National Emergency Preparedness Month, by following the ABC method: which means sign up for Alerts, Build a Plan and Communicate the Plan.
“Morris County is well-equipped to respond to all types of emergencies. The Office of Emergency Management is an incredible resource, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of the tools they offer,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen. “Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. By taking a few simple steps, you are not only protecting your family but also strengthening the entire community.”
The ABC Method offers practical guidance for every household:
- A – Alerts: Sign up for Morris County’s emergency alerts to stay informed during severe weather, public safety incidents and other emergencies. Alerts are available via text, email, social media and the county website.
- B – Build a Plan: Every household should create a written emergency plan with evacuation routes, medical needs, pet care and essential supplies. Residents with disabilities or functional needs can register for the NJ Special Needs Registry for priority assistance.
- C – Communicate the Plan: Make sure all family members understand the plan, know emergency contacts and can access critical information. Consider creating a Smart911 profile so first responders have immediate access to important details during an emergency.
Morris County OEM also encourages residents to take their preparedness a step further by volunteering with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). CERT provides citizens with a 20-hour training course in disaster preparedness, fire suppression, basic medical operations, light search and rescue, and disaster psychology.
“CERT members learn the hazards they may face in their community and gain the skills to help their families and neighbors when first responders are overwhelmed,” said Jeffrey Paul, director of Morris County OEM. “It’s one of the most effective ways for residents to get directly involved in protecting their community.”
CERT volunteers not only support their neighborhoods during emergencies but also assist with special projects that improve community preparedness year-round. To learn more about CERT, visit ready.gov/cert or contact your local Emergency Management Coordinator.
Residents can access emergency planning guides, downloadable templates, safety checklists, and links to additional resources by visiting the Morris County OEM website. For weekly alerts, tips and updates, follow Morris County Office of Emergency Management on Facebook.
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