By Auroni Sen | September 29, 2025
The Montgomery Township Health Department teamed up with the Police Department and New Jersey chapter of the American Red Cross at the Montgomery Municipal Building to provide residents with a presentation regarding safety protocols in the event of common emergencies on Tuesday, September 16.
Montgomery Public Health Planner Emily Schreiner at the information table at the Montgomery Township emergency preparedness event, offering informational flyers and resources to residents.
Lieutenant Andrew Perry kicked off the presentation by mentioning the Police Department’s focus on preparation. He stressed the importance of having a clear plan beforehand in the event of major incidents such as fires or medical emergencies.
Communication is key for residents and police officers. The Montgomery Police Department uses the messaging system NIXLE to stay in touch with the public before, during, and after an emergency. The messaging system sends out alerts and general information to community members, ensuring their safety.
Register Ready is another program where individuals with health risks or disabilities can enter their information so first responders can have access to resources they may need during an emergency. Sergeant Adam Verducci stressed the importance of utilizing this program, saying having the information beforehand can help them plan ahead.
“ A little bit of planning can go a long way, I've found.” says Verducci.
Emily Schreiner represented the Montgomery Health Department, discussing how they monitor for public health risks and local emerging diseases, the information delivered to the public through their website and social media. Residents can receive aid after emergencies as they also plan the distribution of vaccines and other resources.
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John Felice and Diana Garcia, volunteers of the American Red Cross, discussed the common fire risks facing communities. Plugging in too many devices on an extension cord, relying on old wiring, or using the wrong power sources for devices are all common mistakes that can likely lead to a disaster. Being aware of potential risks can help avoid emergencies before they occur.
“The main reason we’re here is to prevent.” says Garcia.
As the months get colder, the use of space heaters, candles, and other heating sources increase the risk of emergencies. Keeping family members informed and establishing a plan avoids misunderstandings and makes the situation safer for everyone involved. The American Red Cross app keeps residents of the community informed in case of sudden local emergencies as well as the centers and resources available after. Garcia shared a tip for staying calmer in the case of unexpected events, saying that keeping track of utilities and insurance can help reduce anxiety and stress during a fire or flood.
Being aware of potential risks, planning ahead and communicating information quickly are some ways residents can get ahead of potential emergencies. Preparing today can help prevent disasters tomorrow. “They don’t think it can happen to them. Therefore, they don’t prepare,” says Garcia. “That's what they all say. I never thought it would happen to me. So let’s fix that.”
