After a disaster or other significant event, the emergency manager's role is to facilitate recovery. Recovery assistance may be available to citizens, businesses, nonprofit organizations and governmental jurisdictions.
The first part of the recovery phase of an emergency is accurately assessing the amount of damage that was caused. The physical damage to buildings and infrastructure are recorded, compiled Countywide, and evaluated by State and Federal Emergency Management officials.
Damage assessment in Bergen is augmented by a mutual aid group of building code officials who can assist the municipal emergency management coordinator when local resources for damage assessment are exceeded. Additionally, County, State and Federal officials may assist with the process.
If damage is sufficient to warrant Federal aid, moneys may be made available in the forms of grants or low-interest loans to residents, businesses and/or governments. In the event that Bergen County is declared a Federal Disaster Area a Damage Application Center will be established to assist residents in recovering from the effects of the disaster. BACK
Periods of high heat and humidity can have a detrimental effect on people. In cooperation with the Bergen County Department of Health Services and the municipalities of Bergen, a two-stage heat emergency plan was developed.
In the first stage, termed a heat alert, public information is distributed about the hazards of heat. During a heat alert, people are encouraged to:
Spend whatever time possible in air conditioning
Maintain an adequate food and fluid intake - light meals spread out over the day are best
Try to avoid alcohol and caffeine intake (Consult with your physician to see if you need additional salt)
Whenever possible, reduce activity levels in hot weather
The elderly are particularly susceptible to the effects of heat. Additionally, children under the age of five and especially those under one year, are also sensitive to heat's effects.
The second phase of the heat emergency plan encompasses the declaration of a heat emergency. Air conditioned buildings are made available throughout the County for persons who require them. Public outdoor activities and work may be curtailed for the prevention of illness. BACK
An incident where large numbers of people are killed can put a tremendous strain on the physical resources and the emergency responders of any jurisdiction. The Bergen County Medical Examiner, the Bergen County Police and the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office developed a comprehensive approach to addressing these incidents. The plan details the current ability of the medical examiner function, mutual aid and other resources available. The plan is tied closely with the Bergen County Mental Health Disaster Plan for the emotional recovery of the families/friends of the victims, the emergency responders and the medical examiner staff. BACK
In the event of an emergency the Bergen County Office of Emergency Management assists hospitals through the coordination of County, Red Cross and other specific 4 wheel drive vehicle resources to transport doctors and nurses to hospitals within Bergen County. During activation of this plan, all municipal police departments and the hospitals are notified. Other emergency coordination concerns notification of weather and road conditions to special facilities within the County. BACK
Currently under development, the debris management plan addresses the recovery concern of disposing of the potentially enormous amount of solid waste after a disaster. Priorities are clearing roadways, safeguarding public health and environmentally friendly disposal. BACK