Emergency Preparedness Checklists and Guidance

For guidance on how to plan ahead for disasters and emergencies, go to Ready.gov. This comprehensive website provides information on a wide range of topics, from how to be alerted in times of emergencies to getting insurance, and everything in between.

Register Ready

Register Ready – New Jersey’s Special Needs Registry for Disasters allows New Jersey residents with disabilities or access and functional needs, and their families, friends, caregivers and associates, an opportunity to provide information to emergency response agencies so emergency responders can better plan to serve them in a disaster or other emergency. The information collected is confidential and will not be available to the public. The information will be held securely and only used for emergency response and planning.

Visit the Register Ready website for more information, and to sign up to be notified by local officials when an evacuation has been ordered. For registration assistance, dial 211.

The File of Life

 The File of Life Program, available free to all Maplewood residents, allows a person to document their current medications, medical and health conditions, and persons to contact in the event of an emergency, making all of this vital information quickly and easily available to first responders. Each kit includes 2 red plastic envelopes that contain your important medical information - one magnetized for your refrigerator, one wallet size. To request your kit, call (973) 762-8120.

Maplewood Police Department Programs

The Maplewood Police Department collects emergency contact information for residents affected by any type of altered mental status, including Autism, Dementia, Bi-Polar Disorder, Schizophrenia, or any other illness or condition. Police Officers receive specific training to follow protocols when they contact residents with special needs. More information can be found here.

Maplewood also participates in the Blue Angel Program which gives the Police Department emergency access to a residence if the resident is unable to open the door.

State of NJ Disaster Mental Health Helpline: 877-294-HELP (4357)

This 24 hour helpline provides access to assistance in times of declared disasters or incidents that significantly affect New Jersey’s communities. The Helpline has language access and 24 hour capabilities.