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NJ Alert: Crisis info direct to you

A new widespread text and email emergency notification system is now in place in New Jersey. NJ Alert will not only warn the public immediately of any type of emergency through handhelds or PCs but also will allow citizens to offer expertise and assistance in a crisis, authorities said.

Photo Credit: Cliffview Pilot


“Ensuring our residents have accurate and real-time information before, during and after any type of emergency is a fundamental responsibility — one that we don’t take lightly,” said Richard L. Cañas, who directs the state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.

“[It] will help direct public action in the event of a large scale emergency, whether we are dealing with a hurricane or act of terrorism,” added Col. Rick Fuentes, who is the New Jersey State Police superintendent  and director of the state’s Office of Emergency Management.

What’s more, NJ Alert can receive homeland security and crime-related tips from its audience. It also allows those citizens to volunteer their professional expertise to assist responders in a crisis, if needed, through the Human Emergency Grid.

“Our service is not limited to public security information, but was uniquely designed as a group communication system for anyone — government, schools, corporations and even personal users can utilize the service for disaster recovery, family preparedness or any notification needs”, said NJ Alert creator Robert Statica.

NJ Alert is free, voluntary and confidential, authorities said. To sign up for emails or text messages, log on to:  www.njalert.gov, or visit: www.ready.nj.gov and click on the NJ Alert icon.

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