Special-needs registry for crises started

ABERDEEN — The township recently implemented an emergency management system for people with special needs.

Designed to assist emergency personnel in the event of a crisis, the specialneeds registry identifies residents who have special needs that require extra assistance during an emergency.

"People in general have a tendency to wait until something happens to take action," said Aberdeen Police Chief John Powers. "It is important to be prepared in advance."

According to the Aberdeen Township Web site, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) established the New Jersey Special Needs Registry. The OEM works with the N.J. Office of Homeland and Security Preparedness and the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management to implement the registry in Aberdeen and other Monmouth County towns.

"This registry idea was conveyed to the municipal offices of emergency management by the county OEM," Powers explained. "It is a state-sponsored program and we just launched it the other day."

On Thursday, Powers said that no resident had registered yet, but that it had only been a few days since the program's launch. The registry will include not only people with physical disabilities but senior citizens as well.

The Aberdeen Township Web site describes the criteria for inclusion on the registry as someone who "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."

"Hopefully, this registry will be a way for family members to plan for their loved ones with special needs in the event of an emergency," Powers said.

The registry is voluntary and free.

Residents can register at www.registerready. nj.gov or call toll-free 211. Forms can be obtained at town hall, the George Hausmann Senior Center and the Matawan-Aberdeen Public Library.

To download a registry form, visit www.aberdeennj.org/special_need_register. html.

For tips on preparing a plan in case of an emergency situation, visit the N.J. Office of Emergency Management online at www.nj.gov/njoem/.