Prepare NJ

Prepare New Jersey

Commit to Being ‘Water Smart’

Warmer weather means enjoying a backyard swimming pool or New Jersey’s beaches, lakes, and rivers. Commit to being ‘water smart’ by having swimming skills and knowing how to help others.

It only takes a moment. A child or weak swimmer can drown in the time it takes to reply to a text, check a fishing line or apply sunscreen. Death and injury from drownings happen every day in home pools and hot tubs, at the beach or in oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams.

The Red Cross believes that by working together to improve water competency – which includes swimming skills, water smarts and helping others – water activities can be safer… and just as much fun.

Tornado Safety

Tornadoes are violent and can occur quickly with little or no warning. New Jersey has already had eight tornadoes touch down in the state this year! It is crucial to pay attention to any tornado WATCH or WARNING when issued and act accordingly.

BEFORE THE STORM:

Watch for tornado danger signs such as dark, often greenish clouds, a wall cloud or cloud of debris, large hail, a roaring noise or funnel cloud.
Identify a safe place in your home where household members and pets will gather during a tornado: a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
In a high-rise building, pick a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor.
In a mobile home, choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your safe place. No mobile home, however it is configured, is safe in a tornado.

More Tornado Safety

Download the FREE Emergency App

Find our Emergency App in the Apple Store » or Google Play »

Aplicación de Emergencias - ahora disponible en español » también!

Take 3 Simple Steps to Prepare for Hurricane Season

New Jersey is no stranger to hurricanes and tropical storms. Preparing to weather the next storm is as easy as 1-2-3!

Get a Kit
Learn the essential supplies to put in your family’s survival kit.
Make a Plan
Plan effectively for you and your family in case of an emergency.
Be Informed
Understand which disasters are likely to occur in your area and what you must know to stay safe.

Learn about flood safety and what to do before, during, and after a hurricane to help keep you and your family safe.

More Hurricane Safety

How Much Do You Know About Hurricane Safety?

Test your knowledge with our quick quiz. You might ace the test or you might learn something new — either way, you win!

Take the Hurricane Safety Quiz

Are You Car Travel Safety Savvy?

If your Summer adventures involve hitting the highway, drive safety, keep an emergency kit in your trunk, and check out these tips for staying safe on the road.

If you are taking your pet with you, there are special things you should know to make your trip more enjoyable.

Being car travel safety savvy helps you get to your destination safely.

Protect Your Family and Pets from the Summer Heat

Extreme heat is the most dangerous type of severe-weather event in the U.S., but we can take action to prepare our loved ones and communities for extreme heat events and related power outages. Learn what to do before, during, and after to help keep everyone safe and healthy.

Learn what the advisories mean

Excessive Heat Outlook
Be Aware! An excessive heat outlook is issued when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3- 7 days. It provides information to individuals who need considerable lead time to prepare for the event.
Excessive Heat Watch
Be Prepared! A heat watch is issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. It is used when the risk of an extreme heat event has increased, but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain.
Excessive Heat Warning/Advisory
Take Action! An excessive heat warning or a heat advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. Take precautions immediately to avoid heat-related illness.

More Extreme Heat Safety

New Jersey Region