Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • July 28, 2010 Area A bill sponsored by New Jersey State Senate Assistant Majority Leader John A. Girgenti and Senator Jeff Van Drew to improve state emergency evacuation plans in preparation for a catastrophic event or natural disaster was unanimously approved by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee. Developed from the recommendations of a legislative task force, the bill (S-264) addresses a number of areas involving emergency response, from ensuring that plans are consistent among counties, to making the public aware of the procedures to follow in the event of an evacuation. The bill specifically addresses the issues of shelters, transportation, and infrastructure, and special needs individuals. “Natural disasters may not be a prevalent occurrence in New Jersey, but that does not mean we should not be prepared accordingly if one does,” said Senator Girgenti, chairman of the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (D-Passaic/Bergen). “When a disaster hits, residents want to be as far away from harm as possible. Designing a plan that increases awareness among the public and can be implemented statewide is the first step in addressing a possible disaster proactively.” If enacted, the measure would require the director of the state office of emergency management to establish a team of experts to review the evacuation plans of coastal counties, and those Evacuation bill advances; uniform procedures eyed that surround them. Working with county emergency officials, the team would integrate plans among counties, and between the counties and the state. The office of emergency management would also be required to launch a public awareness campaign to provide residents with information about how they would be notified in the event of an emergency evacuation, which routes they should follow, and the supplies they should have readily available in the event of a disaster. “Having current and uniform evacuation plans is critical to ensuring the safety of our residents,” said Senator Girgenti. “Equally important is making sure the public knows the proper procedures to follow in the event of an evacuation. By addressing both areas, we will ensure that when we respond to a disaster, we do it in the most effective and efficient way possible.” The measure now heads to the New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for consideration. 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