RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. — For the first time ever, Ridgefield Park first responders checked on all residents on a "Special Needs" list in a one-day sweep.
The confidential list has 48 names and is disclosed only to police and the village's Office of Emergency Management.
It "consists of anybody that would need help in an emergency,” said Douglas Hansen, the village fire marshal and OEM director. “That could be someone on oxygen, on dialysis, is blind or an elderly person that lives alone and wouldn't get out of house in an emergency.
“If there is a call at that location, we know someone needs help,” Hansen said.
For the first time since the list was created eight or so years ago, members of the OEM and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) visited each person on the list on Nov. 7.
“Going out on Saturday was two-fold,” Hansen said. “We wanted to make sure people on the list had everything they needed and also that they still were required to be on the list.”
As a result, a dozen people were removed -- including some who'd died.
To obtain an application, visit the OEM Office at 50 Main St. or call (201) 440-2570 to have one mailed to you.
OEM also has a Facebook Group that posts updates and information regularly.
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