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Emergency Information for Businesses & Schools
Emergency Notifications
During a major emergency, confusion is usually a result of the inability to communicate simple, yet critical, information to the public. The City has taken many steps to eliminate this obstacle:- Messages can be broadcast on with local television and radio stations
- Information can be posted on the City Website
- Information can be viewed on Comcast television channel 34.
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Telephone Notifications; OEM has enhanced its emergency communications operations by installing a Community Notification System.
- The Community Notification System gives the City the capability to initiate emergency message notifications to citizens of East Orange via their land-line telephones.
- The system allows the City to make emergency notifications to specific geographically-targeted areas or specific buildings.
Shelter-in-Place
It is important to remember that you may not always evacuate during a major emergency or attack, as leaving the building may put you and your employees at greater risk. In these situations, you may be advised to shelter-in-place.Definition
Shelter-in-place means to stay indoors, whether in your home, school, business or public buildings. It may also include additional precautions such as turning off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems.Why & When
Shelter-in-place may be used when there is little time to react to an incident and it would be more dangerous to be outside trying to evacuate than it would be to stay where you are. This method may also be recommended in the event of a chemical or biological attack.Duration
In most cases, sheltering-in-place will not continue for more than a few hours. Most chemical or biological agents, if released into the air, will dissipate in a short period of time. However, if there is reason to continue shelter-in-place for a substantial period of time, the City of East Orange will work with non-profit organizations, as well as state and federal agencies, to ensure supplies are provided to those required to shelter-in-place.What You Should Do
- Business owners, building owners and tenants should frequently review, revise and exercise their emergency plans and their evacuation procedures.
- Maintain, in your business as well as your home, an Emergency Supply Kit containing not only survival items, such as water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and special medications, but also items that will provide comfort if you are evacuated, including comfortable shoes and a first-aid kit.
- Regardless of the type of emergency, it is most critical to keep a battery-powered radio or television. Instructions and information will be provided by local, state or federal authorities most often through the media.
- If specific threats are received, the appropriate facilities will be contacted as necessary to alert them to additional security provisions that are being made or should be taken.
- In addition, during any major emergency where the City's Emergency Operations Center is activated, the Office of Emergency Management will keep residents, building owners and schools informed, as much as possible, of the coordination of City emergency services as it relates to you.