ALBANO/MILAM MULTIMEDIA PACKAGE ON LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE, EXPAND NJ'S COASTAL EVACUATION READINESS

10-Bill Package Would Ensure State is Prepared if Disaster Strikes

(VINELAND) - Assemblymen Nelson T. Albano and Matthew W. Milam (both D-Cumberland/Atlantic/Cape May) today issued a multimedia package on their legislative package to improve New Jersey's preparedness and responsiveness in the event of a regional or statewide coastal evacuation.

The 10-bill package consists of the following legislation:

• A-3028:  Requires State and county offices of emergency management to designate critical infrastructure in need of emergency power generators;
• A-3045:  Directs Office of Emergency Management to develop and undertake annual public awareness campaign concerning State's emergency coastal evacuation plan;
• A-3047:  Prohibits towing and transportation of boats during emergency evacuations;
• A-3048:  Establishes coastal operations team to review county evacuation plans;
• A-3049:  Provides for Statewide evacuation strategy for hospitals and other health care facilities;
• A-3050:  Allows counties to establish emergency management registry for individuals with special needs;
• A-3051:  Establishes commission authorized to identify and locate emergency shelters;
• A-3052:  Expands emergency operations plans to include care for domestic animals;
• A-3053:  Requires the State Police to implement reverse lane strategy on certain roads; and
• A-3054:  Requires State and local emergency operations plans include provisions to address needs of families of emergency responders serving during a disaster or emergency.

The multimedia package consists of a video on the bills, audio of same and a copy of the script as delivered.

The video can be accessed directly via our Web site, www.assemblydems.com, or by clicking here.

The audio file is available upon request.

The script is appended below:

[Albano]:  "Fall in the Garden State is the start of nor'easter season.

"Every year around this time, our coastal communities brace themselves for the storm that could buffet the state with enough strength to force evacuations.

[Milam]:  "While our emergency management officials have done a great job, the state can do better to ensure residents have the tools, services and information they need to be protected if and when disaster strikes.

[Albano]:  "Assemblyman Milam and I - along with Senator Jeff Van Drew - have worked with emergency management professionals and volunteers from across the state to develop the final report of the Assembly Coastal New Jersey Evacuation Task Force, which was submitted this past May.

[Milam]:  "From this report, we have introduced a 10-bill package that would adopt many of the recommendations of this task force, ensuring New Jersey is not caught unprepared.

[Albano]:  "The measures would help streamline emergency operations during a disaster...

[Milam]:  "...identify buildings as shelters and 'critical infrastructure...'

[Albano]:  "...and have specific statewide and coastal evacuation plans at the state, county and local levels.

[Milam]:  "We can't afford to wait until after a disaster strikes to improve our preparedness.

"For more information about our 10-bill package, or for help with any other questions you might have...

[Albano]:  "...feel free to contact our district office by either phone or e-mail."

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