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Emergency Preparedness

Being prepared in the case of an emergency is vital to the people of our state. Emergency preparedness is comprised of many things. It could be natural disasters such as storms and hurricanes, a human mistake such as Chernobyl, or a terrorist attack aimed at the lives of innocent people.

One of the main aspects of preparedness, and probably the one issue that's been on our minds since September 11, 2001, is protection from terrorism. Never in our nation's history could we have been prepared for what occurred that day. Thousands of lives were lost in only a few short hours. Emergency teams from hundreds of miles away responded to an inconceivable reality.

No one could have practiced a response of this magnitude. No amount of skill or experience could have prepared the brave men and women who ran to their fellow Americans rescue. September 11th reminds us that it is important to know what our response teams are capable of and how their plan will be implemented.

Awareness is most important today, as we have engaged ourselves in a second Gulf War. We have been advised by Tom Ridge, Homeland Security Secretary, to be prepared for possible terrorist attacks in retaliation for the actions of our brave men and women overseas. Since September 11th, our nation has seen higher levels of security than ever before. With the war over, but our commitment ongoing, we must remain prepared for any event that could put American lives at risk.

I am proud to say that New Jersey is at the forefront of Homeland Security. The fiscal year 2004 budget proposal contains more than $100 million for security and counter-terrorism initiatives. Plans are in place that, in the event of an emergency, will protect the lives of New Jersey residents regardless of the type of attack directed toward us. Biological, chemical and physical attacks are a grave concern. But, it is important to understand that the proper steps have been taken. The state has gone above and beyond to make sure that our families and friends are protected. We will make every effort to make sure New Jersey residents are safe.

Coordination of life-saving efforts is crucial in the event of a disaster. Federal, state, county and local public safety personnel must understand each other's roles. They must mesh together seamlessly to provide services.

We need to educate and inform New Jersey residents and our public safety personnel to formulate a plan of action, as a community, in the event of an emergency. We need to know what to expect from all aspects of public safety planners and responders. Too often we only concentrate on what our local communities will do. It is important to realize, especially in the aftermath of September 11th, that it may be necessary for our state and federal public safety teams to work together in a combined effort to achieve the crucial, common goal, protection of American lives.

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