Mission, Vision & Areas of Focus
Vision Statement
Monmouth County Emergency Management strives to be recognized as an accomplished, proactive and innovative leader in emergency management within the state of New Jersey. Through relevant education, training and public outreach, we are focused on promoting safer, less vulnerable and more resilient communities. We seek to build collaborative partnerships with stakeholders representing the whole community in an effort to build capacity and capabilities.
The five core areas that guide our work
Preparedness is a continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluation and improvement activities to ensure effective coordination and the enhancement of capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Prevention is composed of the capabilities and actions necessary to avoid, prevent or stop a threatened or actual act of terrorism.
The response phase includes the mobilization of the necessary emergency services and first responders in the disaster area. This is likely to include a first wave of core emergency services, such as firefighters, police and ambulance crews.
Mitigation efforts are attempts to prevent hazards from developing into disasters altogether or to reduce the effects of disasters. The mitigation phase differs from the other phases in that it focuses on long-term measures for reducing or eliminating risk. Further information about Mitigation can be found on the OEM Hazard Mitigation Planning page.
The aim of the recovery phase is to restore the affected area to its previous state. It differs from the response phase in its focus; recovery efforts are concerned with issues and decisions that must be made after immediate needs are addressed. Recovery efforts are primarily concerned with actions that involve rebuilding destroyed property, re-employment, and the repair of other essential infrastructure. Efforts should be made to "build back better", aiming to reduce the pre-disaster risks inherent in the community and infrastructure.
Live monitoring tools for Monmouth County
Monmouth County Community Emergency Response Team
"Empowering everyday citizens to respond effectively during emergencies — supporting first responders and helping their neighbors when it matters most."
About the CERT Program
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may occur where they live.
CERT trains volunteers in basic disaster response skills, such as:
The CERT program offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.
Who It's For
- Adults 18 and older
- Monmouth County residents
- Community-minded individuals willing to volunteer in emergencies
How to Participate
- Apply for the next CERT training course
- Complete the multi-week training program
- Become an active CERT volunteer for your community
Request information or register for upcoming training
CRS — Reducing flood insurance premiums for residents
📣 A New Monmouth County Initiative
The Monmouth County Board of Commissioners is proud to announce a new Monmouth County initiative that will provide assistance to municipalities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS).
About the Community Rating System
The National Flood Insurance Program administers the CRS, which scores towns on their effectiveness in dealing with the mitigation of flood hazard events. Earning CRS points lowers flood insurance premiums for homeowners and businesses located in special flood hazard areas.
🏛️ Monmouth County's Role
The Division of Planning and the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Management have been exploring various ways of leveraging County resources to encourage town participation in the CRS program, as well as to provide baseline data and information to towns already involved in the program.
Presently, eight (8) communities participate in the CRS. We are pleased to report that six (6) additional towns have taken active steps with the County as a cooperating technical partner to explore possible participation in the CRS.
📝 How to Begin the Application Process
To begin the application process for a CRS classification, communities must submit a letter of interest to their FEMA Regional Office and document that they are implementing floodplain management activities that warrant at least 500 CRS credit points.
The CRS Application Letter of Interest and CRS Quick Check document provide communities with a sample letter of interest and the "CRS Quick Check" tool for documenting their current activities and calculating their possible credit points. Instructions are provided within the document.
Official documents, manuals & partner websites
A look at the program and Monmouth County
Emergency preparedness starts at home — be ready before disaster strikes
🚨 Be Ready Before Disaster Strikes
Preparedness is the foundation of emergency management. The actions you take today can save lives, protect property, and help your family recover faster from any emergency — whether it's a hurricane, flood, winter storm, or any other event.
Below are 12 practical ways to prepare your household. Click any card to learn how to take action.
📘 Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness ↗12 Ways to Prepare
Tap any item below for detailed information
Sign Up for Alerts and Warnings
Receiving timely warnings can make the difference between safety and disaster. Sign up for emergency notifications so you're aware of threats before they reach you.
- Register for Monmouth County emergency alerts via the SIRCOM platform
- Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your mobile device
- Subscribe to National Weather Service notifications for your area
- Follow official Monmouth County social media channels
Make a Plan
A written household emergency plan ensures everyone knows what to do, where to go, and how to communicate when an emergency strikes.
- Identify two meeting places — one near your home, one outside the neighborhood
- Designate an out-of-area contact who can serve as a central point of communication
- Plan for pets and livestock — they're family too
- Account for special needs (medications, mobility, dietary)
- Review and update your plan at least once a year
Save for a Rainy Day
Emergencies are expensive. Building a financial cushion protects your family from the unexpected costs of evacuation, repair, and recovery.
- Start an emergency savings account — even $500 makes a difference
- Goal: build up to 3-6 months of essential expenses
- Keep some cash on hand — ATMs and card readers may not work after a disaster
- Know your insurance deductibles and have them available
Practice Emergency Drills
A plan you've never practiced is just a piece of paper. Regular drills build muscle memory so your family responds instinctively under pressure.
- Practice fire evacuation from every room of your home
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly
- Drill shelter-in-place procedures (severe weather, hazardous materials)
- Practice reunification at your designated meeting places
- Run drills at different times of day — including at night
Test Family Communication Plan
During emergencies, local phone lines may be jammed. A well-tested communication plan keeps your family connected when it matters most.
- Designate an out-of-state contact — long-distance lines often work when local ones fail
- Make sure every family member memorizes important phone numbers
- Keep printed emergency contact cards in wallets and backpacks
- Test the plan twice a year by actually calling the contact
- Know how to text — texts often go through when calls fail
Safeguard Documents
Critical documents are nearly impossible to replace quickly. Protect them now to avoid weeks of paperwork battles after a disaster.
- Store originals in a waterproof, fireproof container at home
- Make digital copies stored securely in the cloud
- Give a copy set to your out-of-area contact
- Documents to include:
- IDs, passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards
- Insurance policies (home, auto, health, life)
- Medical records and prescriptions
- Financial records, bank info, will/trust documents
- Property deeds, vehicle titles
Plan with Neighbors
Your neighbors are your first line of help during a disaster. Building those relationships before a crisis creates a stronger, more resilient community.
- Introduce yourself to neighbors and exchange contact info
- Identify elderly, disabled, or vulnerable individuals who may need help
- Discuss shared resources — generator, chainsaw, vehicles
- Plan who checks on whom after a major event
- Consider organizing a neighborhood emergency group
Make Your Home Safer
Mitigation reduces the damage when disaster strikes. Small home improvements today can prevent major losses tomorrow.
- Know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity
- Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Secure water heaters and heavy furniture to walls
- Trim trees and clear branches that could fall on your home
- Clear gutters and drains before storm season
- Consider storm shutters or impact-resistant windows
- Maintain a working fire extinguisher on every floor
🏠 Retrofitting Your Home
The most important precaution you can take to reduce damage to your home and property is to protect the areas where wind can enter. According to recent wind technology research, it is important to strengthen the exterior of your house so wind and debris do not tear large openings in it.
You can do this by protecting and reinforcing these five critical areas:
A great time to start securing — or retrofitting — your house is when you are making other improvements or adding an addition. Remember: building codes reflect the lessons experts have learned from past catastrophes. Contact the local building code official to find out what requirements are necessary for your home improvement projects.
Know Evacuation Routes
When evacuations are ordered, roads jam fast. Knowing your routes — and alternates — could mean the difference between safety and being stuck in traffic during a storm.
- Identify your hurricane evacuation zone using the Know Your Zone tool
- Plan at least 2 routes out of your neighborhood
- Know the location of nearest shelters
- Practice driving the routes before you need them
- Keep your gas tank at least half full during storm season
📢 Monmouth County Evacuation Instructions
Monmouth County uses the following evacuation instructions:
Evacuation Recommendation
Monmouth County may recommend that certain residents, visitors and businesses evacuate due to their personal risk of being impacted by a storm or other emergency. A recommendation might be issued so that residents who need extra time (mobility challenges, visitors packing belongings, special arrangements) can leave early — or in advance of an evacuation order to reduce evacuation time.
Evacuation Order
Monmouth County may order residents, visitors and businesses of designated areas deemed to be in danger of being impacted by a storm or other emergency to evacuate. This order is used when designated areas are predicted to potentially receive life-threatening or severe property damage, or when access by first responders could be impeded.
The above evacuation conditions are considered when a storm or incident is expected to affect a large portion of the county. Local Public Safety Officials may enact similar evacuation conditions when a storm or emergency is more geographically specific to a particular community.
Regardless of the type of evacuation, residents are encouraged to stay with family or friends who live outside of the pre-designated evacuation zones. Municipal Reception Centers and County Shelters will be opened, but should only be used as a last resort.
Evacuation orders are issued by pre-designated zones: A, B, C, or D. Evacuation orders will be disseminated through all available commercial and social media outlets.
🗺️ Find Your Zone — Know Your Zone Page🏠 Evacuation Shelters & Municipal Reception Centers
🏛️ County Shelters
- Monmouth County has several shelters that will be accessible when an Evacuation Order is issued
- Provide a safe place for residents who don't have family/friends outside the evacuation zones
- Designed to be short-term solutions — limited space and services
🏘️ Municipal Reception Centers
- Each municipality has a designated Reception Center
- Municipal Emergency Management gets residents within the evacuation zone to their Reception Center (personal vehicles OR public safety vehicles)
- Provides extremely limited services for a short time
- From there, County Transportation brings residents to the County Shelter
- Residents are not permitted to drive personal vehicles to County Shelters
🔄 Post-Incident Shelter Closing
Once the evacuated areas are deemed safe, Monmouth County transportation assets return residents from the County Shelter back to the Municipal Reception Center. From there, residents may return home.
Assemble or Update Supplies
Ensure you and your family are prepared before the next disaster impacts your community. Following an emergency or disaster, you may lose access to basic services such as power and water, and be subject to limited or no access to essentials like food and water. Stock up on essentials now and build a disaster supply kit to last you and your family for a minimum of 3 days.
Each individual or family disaster supply kit will differ based on personal needs. Review the list below to help you get started on basic items to include. Assess your individual and family needs to determine other critical items to include.
📋 Disaster Supply Kit Checklist
- 💧 Water — for drinking, cooking and sanitation. Minimum 1 gallon per person per day for 3 to 7 days.
- 🥫 Food — minimum 3-7 days supply:
- Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices
- Manual can opener
- Foods for individuals with dietary restrictions (infants, elderly, etc.)
- Snack foods
- Cooking tools and fuel
- Paper plates and plastic utensils
- 🔦 Flashlight and Extra Batteries
- 🛏️ Pillows, Blankets and/or Sleeping Bags
- 👕 Clothing — complete change of clothes for your area's climate. Include sturdy shoes to protect from debris.
- 🩹 First Aid Kit, Prescription Medication and Other Medicines
- 📻 Radio — battery operated AND NOAA weather radio
- 🧽 Cleaning Supplies — garbage bags, moisture wipes, sanitation items
- 👶 Special Items — assess all family member needs (infants, elderly, access & functional needs)
- 💵 Cash — banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
- 🎲 Toys, Books and Games
- 📂 Important Documents — store in waterproof container AND save electronically (insurance, medical, bank, Social Security, etc.)
- 🔨 Tools
🐾 Pet Care Items
- Proper identification / immunization records
- Ample supply of food and water
- Carrier or cage
- Medications
- Muzzle and leash
- Photo of you and your pet(s) — in the event you are separated from your pet, having an updated photo will help validate pet ownership
Get Involved in Your Community
The strongest communities are built before disaster strikes. Get trained, get involved, and become part of the solution.
- Join the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) — free training in disaster response
- Volunteer with local Red Cross chapter
- Take first aid and CPR classes
- Register for Medical Reserve Corps if you have healthcare skills
- Attend community preparedness workshops
- Help organize neighborhood preparedness events
Document & Insure Property
If disaster strikes, proper documentation and insurance can be the difference between full recovery and devastating loss.
- Take a video walkthrough of your entire home (open closets and drawers)
- Photograph high-value items with serial numbers visible
- Keep receipts and appraisals for valuable possessions
- Review your homeowner's or renter's insurance annually
- Consider flood insurance — even outside high-risk zones (regular policies don't cover floods)
- Understand your deductibles and exclusions
- Store insurance documents and inventory off-site or in the cloud
If You or Someone You Know is Disabled Click here to learn more about disability disaster information ▼
The Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management, in coordination with each local emergency management agency, supports the state-developed registry to allow residents with special needs to register with their local emergency management agency to receive assistance during a disaster.
Providing as much information as possible will allow emergency management officials to plan accordingly for future disasters. You will be e-mailed periodically to verify the information provided is correct and to make any necessary changes. Individual surveys will be archived after one year if not verified.
Why Should You Register?
Personal preparedness is at the heart of public safety. Advance planning is especially important for people with disabilities, access and functional needs who may find it difficult to self-evacuate. New Jersey Register Ready is designed to help emergency responders plan for locating and safely evacuating people who could find it difficult to help themselves during a major disaster.
🔒 Will My Privacy Be Protected?
The information within the registry is considered confidential and will only be used in the planning for and provision of emergency services. Completing the form does not automatically qualify the individual for a special needs shelter. Registrants who need assistance should always contact their local police for immediate help and 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies.
📚 Important Links for More Information
🏛️ State Resources
🇺🇸 Federal Resources
Questions concerning registration, sheltering, transportation and evacuation, please contact:
If You Have Pets — Make a Pet Plan Protect all family members, including the four-legged ones ▼
The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner or have larger animals (i.e. livestock), it is important that you also consider their needs when developing your disaster plan.
⚠️ If You Evacuate — DO NOT LEAVE PETS OR ANIMALS BEHIND
It is unlikely for pets or larger animals to survive on their own. If by some chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return. Prepare now and protect your family and pets before the next disaster strikes.
🏠 Do You Have a Safe Place to Take Your Pets?
Service animals who assist people with disabilities are allowed in Monmouth County shelters. It may be difficult to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead.
- Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check pet policies. Search at PetsWelcome NJ.
- Ask friends, relatives, or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals.
- Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency (24-hour phone numbers).
- Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care (last resort).
🌪️ What to Do When Disaster Approaches
- If you're not home when evacuation is ordered, arrange for a trusted neighbor to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location.
- Keep dogs securely leashed and transport cats in carriers. Animals react differently under stress.
- When you return home, give pets time to settle back into their routines.
🐴 Planning for Larger Animals (Livestock)
- Disaster supply kit with: animal ID, food/water, medications, handling equipment, dry bedding, windbreaks
- Develop an evacuation plan with multiple routes and shelter sites suitable for your animals
- Ensure you have the transport resources — vehicles, trailers, experienced drivers and handlers
📚 Additional Pet Resources
Building resilience in Monmouth County
Hover over any card to preview · Click to open the full safety guide
Emergency Vulnerability & Assistance Coordination System
The Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management is launching a new registration portal for residents with access and functional needs. The Monmouth County Emergency Vulnerability & Assistance Coordination System (E.V.A.C.S.) initiative is a voluntary and free program designed to assist first responders and emergency planners in identifying those residents that may need assistance in evacuating in advance of an emergency, and so that emergency management may develop the necessary plans to support those needs.
It will also aid emergency planners in the development of shelter plans for those residents with Access and Functional Needs. The information collected through a secure on-line portal is only accessible to emergency management and first responders.
What is the Monmouth County Emergency Vulnerability & Assistance Coordination System?
Monmouth County Emergency Vulnerability & Assistance Coordination System has been established to collect information emergency responders will need to help locate and evacuate people with Access and Functional Needs during an emergency, when a family, caregiver or others are unable to help them.
Who Should Register?
You (or someone on your behalf) should register if you may find it difficult to get to safety with family or friends, or to a public shelter, during an emergency evacuation — because of a physical or cognitive limitation, language barrier, or lack of transportation.
Remember: Your priority should be to relocate with a family member or friend first!
Choose the option that works best for you
2500 Kozloski Road
Freehold, NJ 07728
Have Questions?
If you have questions pertaining to the Monmouth County Emergency Vulnerability & Assistance Coordination System, please call 📞 732-431-7400.
Download & view the registration survey
⬇ Download E.V.A.C.S. Survey FormInteractive maps, flood zones, and risk resources
Monmouth County is committed to keeping residents informed about flood risks throughout the region. Below you'll find interactive flood maps that show real-time water levels and flood-zone data, along with helpful resources for residents, property owners, and emergency planners.
Click any resource below to open in a new tab
Below are links dealing with Flood Map information:
External resources, partner agencies & helpful information
Below is a categorized list of important web resources. Click any link to open in a new tab.
Federal, state & local emergency resources
Ways to serve your community
Local resources & services
Road conditions, transit & transportation
Forecasts, radio, river & storm information
Coastal evacuation zone information & storm surge awareness
Know Your Zone is a public education campaign implemented by the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management to inform the residents, businesses and visitors of Monmouth County of the new hurricane evacuation zones and their vulnerability to storm surge.
The Know Your Zone campaign was developed in partnership with the municipal emergency management coordinators within the coastal towns and is based on the threat, strength, direction and forecasted storm surge of an impending hurricane, nor'easter or other coastal flooding event. The campaign also reflects the National Hurricane Center's (NHC) decision to separate the association of storm surge inundation from the category of storm.
⚠️ Remember!
- Evacuation Zones should not be confused with flood zones.
- Evacuation Zones are based on storm surge values using various hypothetical storm models based on worst case scenarios.
- Zones are established based on threat strength, direction, and storm surge.
Click any zone to view or download the official PDF
Look up your address to find your evacuation zone
Office of Emergency Management — Leadership Team
Executive Undersheriff Robert Dawson
Undersheriff Robert Dawson oversees the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office Special Operations Division, which includes the Office of Emergency Management, Police Academy, Fire Marshal's Office, the Situational Training And Response Simulator (STARS) facility, Information Technology, and the EMS/MedStar Division.
Robert has a wealth of experience in law enforcement, having served as Chief of Police in Spring Lake from 1996 until 2012. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, a Certified Public Manager, a Certified New Jersey Law Enforcement Executive, past president of the Monmouth County Police Chief's Association, and a member of the International Association of Police Chiefs.
Scott R. Nielsen
Scott R. Nielsen serves as the Coordinator of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office - Office of Emergency Management (OEM), where he is responsible for coordinating countywide preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts across Monmouth County's 53 municipalities. In this role, he works closely with local, county, state, federal, nonprofit, and private-sector partners to strengthen community resilience and ensure a coordinated response to emergencies and disasters.
Scott began his public safety career in Emergency Medical Services in 1997 and has dedicated nearly three decades to serving the residents of Middlesex and Monmouth Counties. He joined Monmouth County government in 2002 in the 9-1-1 Communications Center before transitioning to the Office of Emergency Management, where he has held progressively responsible leadership positions. He is a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), a New Jersey Certified Emergency Manager (NJCEM), and serves as a Commissioner and reviewer for the New Jersey Certified Emergency Manager Program.
Under Scott's leadership, Monmouth County OEM became the first county emergency management agency in New Jersey to achieve accreditation through the Emergency Management Association of New Jersey (EMANJ). He has led numerous innovative initiatives, including the implementation of the Monmouth County Emergency Vulnerability and Assistance Coordination System (E.V.A.C.S.), expansion of countywide public alert and warning capabilities through IPAWS, enhancement of flood warning technologies, development of reunification and sheltering programs, and growth of the Monmouth County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.
Scott also serves as Central Vice President of the New Jersey County Coordinators Association and remains actively involved in advancing emergency management throughout New Jersey. His career has been built on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to protecting the residents, visitors, and businesses of Monmouth County through all phases of emergency management.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Scott remains committed to mentoring future emergency managers, supporting volunteer public safety organizations, and promoting community preparedness through education, training, and outreach initiatives.
Coordinator-led staffing structure
A division of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office, the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management is responsible for the development, maintenance and implementation of the County's All Hazard Emergency Operations Plan. The plan is made up of 17 Emergency Support Function Annexes that outline how the county will function during emergency or disaster conditions. The office also acts as the conduit to the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management for the 53 municipal emergency management programs. Through a multi-disciplinary working group, which is comprised of various different response organizations, the office also manages all of the homeland security funding that is received by the county.
The Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management is staffed by 5 full-time personnel, a Coordinator, 1 Deputy Coordinator, 1 part-time Deputy Coordinator and 3 Emergency Management Analysts. Also assigned to this office is the County OEM EMS Coordinator, Deputy OEM EMS Coordinators and a Register Ready Coordinator.
Hover or tap any card for full contact details
about Emergency Management
External Affairs
LEPC — Coordinating local chemical & emergency response planning
Under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, Local or Tribal Emergency Planning Committees must develop an emergency response plan, review the plan at least annually, and provide information about chemicals in the community to citizens.
As per New Jersey Executive Order #284, facilities with extremely hazardous substances over the threshold planning quantity must participate in the local emergency planning process through the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and provide necessary information which supports this committee.
The LEPC was formed as a result of the Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986. Its purpose is to provide citizens and emergency responders with information about chemicals in Monmouth County. The law requires communities to plan for chemical emergencies and establish a chain of command using the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to make sure requirements are met. The LEPC is part of the NIMS chain of command.
📋 LEPC Committee Responsibilities
- Two meetings a year that include representation of all stakeholder groups, as well as opening the meeting up to the public and local media.
- Develop an emergency response plan (off-site ERP) for their community/district.
- Establish procedures for receiving reports from facilities.
- Complete (off-site) ERPs and review/exercise them annually.
- Provide public access to review (off-site) ERPs. All requests for access to view, please follow the proper procedures regarding OPRA Requests.
- Personnel from industries, community organizations and government agencies work hand-in-hand to share information and training opportunities to better prepare for emergency situations.
If you have any questions regarding the LEPC, please email OEM@mcsonj.org for more information.
👥 Committee Membership
Plans are developed by these emergency planning committees with stakeholder participation. There is one emergency planning committee for each of the more than 3,000 designated local and tribal emergency planning districts.
The emergency planning committee membership must include (at a minimum):
- Elected state, local, and tribal officials
- Police, fire, civil defense, and public health professionals
- Environmental, transportation, and hospital officials
- Facility representatives
- Representatives from community groups and the media
📝 Required Elements of a Community Emergency Response Plan
- Identification of facilities and transportation routes of extremely hazardous substances
- Description of emergency response procedures, on and off site
- Designation of a community coordinator and facility emergency coordinator(s) to implement the plan
- Outline of emergency notification procedures
- Description of how to determine the probable affected area and population by releases
- Description of local emergency equipment and facilities and the persons responsible for them
- Outline of evacuation plans
- A training program for emergency responders (including schedules)
- Methods and schedules for exercising emergency response plans
How New Jersey coordinates emergency planning statewide
Title III requires that the governor of each State designate a State Emergency Response Commission (SERC). This commission generally includes representatives of public agencies and departments with expertise in environmental issues, natural resources, emergency services, public health, occupational safety, and transportation. Various public and private sector groups and associations with an interest in Title III issues may also be included in the State commission.
The SERC designates local emergency planning districts and appoints Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) within each of these districts. The SERC is responsible for supervising and coordinating the activities of the LEPCs, for establishing procedures for receiving and processing public requests for information collected under other sections of Title III, and for reviewing plans generated by the LEPCs.
The LEPC's Primary Responsibility: Local Emergency Response Plan
The LEPC is responsible for developing and maintaining a local emergency response plan that will ensure a quick and effective response to a chemical emergency. These plans provide a range of information to facilitate an effective and efficient course of action if a chemical release were to occur. Issues such as which facilities use chemicals, where the chemicals are stored, and what routes are the quickest for first responders and evacuation are addressed by the emergency plan.
Coordination, Testing & Community Involvement
Many LEPCs contact neighboring LEPCs to coordinate procedures and resources to ensure the most effective emergency response. Ultimately, the SERC is responsible for coordinating emergency plans among districts.
The LEPC must review the plan at least annually, or more frequently as changed circumstances in the community or at any facility may require. Furthermore, EPA suggests that LEPCs test their plans to ensure effectiveness.
The LEPC must make information and submitted reports publicly available during normal business hours, and notify the public of the availability of Title III information, such as the emergency plan, activities, and meetings — providing opportunities for public comment.
Prevention & Mitigation Strategies
In developing their plans, local committees analyze local risks and evaluate resources available to their area that could help them prepare for and respond to a hazardous materials accident. A progressive LEPC may also consider strategies for preventing or mitigating chemical emergencies — that is, identifying ways to keep emergencies from happening, or of making their consequences less severe.
The contingency plan generated by the LEPC must include a list of hazardous materials facilities and the routes they use to transport listed materials, emergency response procedures, and evacuation plans. It is reviewed by the SERC and updated annually by the LEPC. Emergency plans must focus on the list of extremely hazardous substances published by the EPA, but they are not limited to this list. Any facility that uses these substances in excess of specified "threshold" quantities is subject to emergency planning requirements.
State Emergency Response Commission
SERC Website: ready.nj.gov/serc/index.shtml
NJDEP Right-to-Know Program
Local LEPC stakeholders
Upcoming and previous LEPC meetings
Previous Meetings
- February 19, 2025 — 10:45 AM
- May 20, 2025 — 10:30 AM
From Civil Defense to Modern Emergency Management
★ This video was originally produced 12 years ago and remains a meaningful look back at the work of the Office of Emergency Management ★
One of the basic functions of government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens. Normally, this function is performed in an efficient and effective manner by many different agencies on a daily basis — police, fire, emergency medical, health, welfare, public works, and other governmental and volunteer organizations.
In an emergency or catastrophic event, these organizations must pool their resources and work together as a team to mitigate the effects on a community. A coordinated, cooperative response to an emergency does not just happen — it requires planning, mitigation, response and recovery. This is what emergency management is all about.
The Evolution
OEM in Action
OEM Today
Function Annexes
Management Programs
Personnel
Operations Plan
A division of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office, the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management is responsible for the development, maintenance and implementation of the County's All Hazard Emergency Operations Plan. The plan outlines how the county will function during emergency or disaster conditions, and the office acts as the conduit to the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management for the 53 municipal emergency management programs.
Through a multi-disciplinary working group comprised of various response organizations, the office also manages all of the homeland security funding that is received by the county. The office is staffed by a Coordinator, 1 Deputy Coordinator, 1 part-time Deputy Coordinator and 3 Emergency Management Analysts — along with the County OEM EMS Coordinator, Deputy OEM EMS Coordinators, and a Register Ready Coordinator.
The county's Office of Emergency Management has become the first agency in New Jersey to achieve accreditation through the EMANJ program, further reflecting the agency's ongoing commitment to professional excellence, accountability, and the highest standards in public safety service.
"This accreditation is a testament to the professionalism, dedication, and the forward-thinking approach of our Office of Emergency Management. Being recognized as the first EMANJ-accredited agency in the state underscores our commitment to protecting residents, strengthening preparedness, and setting the standard for emergency management operations across New Jersey. Combined with the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office now being recognized as a 6-Star Accredited Agency, this accomplishment reflects our agency's unwavering pursuit of excellence in every area of service."
An official National Weather Service designation
Monmouth County is StormReady®
Monmouth County is officially designated as a StormReady® County by the National Weather Service — one of only 3 counties in New Jersey to earn this designation. The certification covers all of our municipalities.
Monmouth County has officially been designated StormReady County by the National Weather Service. By becoming a StormReady county it includes all municipalities. Monmouth County is only 1 of 3 counties in New Jersey. For Monmouth County towns that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, the StormReady designation earns ISO community rating system (CRS) points.
What this means for Monmouth County residents
Enhanced Public Safety
Demonstrates that the county has established reliable weather monitoring, alert, and emergency communication systems — reducing risks through prompt alerts and effective responses to severe weather events.
Community Preparedness
Builds a culture of preparedness through educational outreach including public workshops, school programs, and community events teaching severe weather safety.
Strengthened Emergency Management
Solid emergency management strategies and organized response plans for hazardous weather — including specialized weather response teams and coordination with local CERT teams.
Improved Coordination
Close partnership with the NWS provides direct access to timely weather information and resources — enabling better situational awareness, faster decisions, and coordinated responses.
Potential Lower Insurance Premiums
Some insurance providers recognize StormReady status as proactive disaster preparedness, potentially leading to lower premiums or improved community resilience ratings.
Reputation & Community Trust
Showcases the county's commitment to protecting residents — building community trust and fostering a sense of security among citizens and businesses.
These benefits ultimately help communities better withstand and recover from extreme weather — reducing potential damages and improving resilience.
2025 letter from the National Weather Service
🌐 Learn More About the National StormReady Program ↗
