Emergency Management

BOROUGH OF PALMYRA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY  

Gulf Oil Spill Effects on the New Jersey Shore

The Palmyra/Riverton OEM attended a meeting by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regarding the possibility of the Gulf Oil reaching us in Southern New Jersey.  Below are the key points from the meeting:

  • The NJDEP is optimistic that the oil WILL NOT reach New Jersey.
  • Improbable that oil slick will reach New Jersey unless the an unlikely sequence of events occur.
  • If the oil were to reach New Jersey it would not occur until after the summer season.
  • DEP Gulf Spill Team are closely monitoring the situation.
  • Beaches and ocean fisheries are open for the season with no foreseeable closing.
 NJDEP Update
 FAQ: Gulf Oil Spill
 
Question: Will New Jersey's beaches be safe this summer?
Answer: Yes. We are optimistic the oil will not reach the Shore. It is improbable that the oil slick will reach New Jersey, and would require a "sequence of unlikely events" to do so.
 
Question: Is it safer to fish now?
Answer: Yes, fishing is very safe. Migrating species, including blues and striped bass, have already made their way to Jersey waters and are not affected by the Gulf oil spill. Additionally, the shellfish harvest will also be very good this season.
 
Question: Do we need to change our summer vacation plans?
Answer: Absolutely not. The Jersey Shore will be open for business as usual. We expect a great summer season in New Jersey.
 
Question: Is New Jersey monitoring the oil spill?
Answer: Yes. Commissioner Martin has created a Gulf Spill Team. Our DEP scientists, with help from scientists at Rutgers University and Stevens Institute of Technology, are closely observing the situation.
 
Question: What would happen in the unlikely event that Gulf oil reached New Jersey?
Answer: Most likely, we would see it in the form of tarballs - hard-shelled, soft-centered objects - which could be as small as pebbles, a bit like brunt marshmallows.
 
Question: How would we deal with those tarballs?
Answer: The DEP, State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security officials are working now on a plan of action to deal with that unlikely possibility.
 
Question: If the unlikely events occurred, when could Gulf oil reach the state?
Answer: If the oil were to reach New Jersey it would not occur until after the summer season, not likely until October, November or later.
 
Question: Should residents, businesses, fishermen or beachgoers be worried?
Answer: No. The state's beaches and fishing areas will be open for business this summer. Beaches will be clean and water quality will be very good. Enjoy the summer!
 
 
HURRICANE Season is here: 

Satellite image of a hurricane 

 

National Weather Service is predicting a very active hurricane season for 2010.              

                        Named Storms        Hurricanes       Major Hurricane
     2010
Predictions         14-23                             8-14                          3-7
  
Average                 11                                   6                               2
 

PALMYRA / RIVERTON OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT STAFF

Richard K. Dreby - Executive Coordinator

Scott Reed - Coordinator

Tracy Kilmer - Deputy Coordinator

Howard Norcross - Deputy Coordinator

John Skowronski - Deputy Coordinator

We are located at:

Borough of Palmyra
2nd Floor
20 West Broad St.
Palmyra, NJ 08065

We can be reached at:

Telephone: 856-829-1096
Fax: 856-829-4096
E-mail: tkilmeratboroughofpalmyra [dot] com

In 2009 the Palmyra Office of Emergency Management (OEM) joined with the Borough of Riverton to form one OEM.

OEM is a resource group that supports the emergency services in Palmyra and Riverton. Evolved from the old Civil Defense program of the 1950's, the Office of Emergency Management of today uses a four phase approach of preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation to help keep our town safe.

The OEM is responsible for the response and coordination of all activities necessary to protect both Boroughs residents from natural and man made disasters such as fire, flood, severe storms, terrorism and mass casualty events. We do this through emergency planning. OEM coordinates emergency management services for the Borough by providing leadership, planning, education, and training exercises. 

The OEM is supported by the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The LEPC is responsible for the planning and implementation of plans to help mitigate and plan before, during and after an emergency.

 CERT is a group of private citizens that aide the LEPC and professional responders in both emergency and non emergency situations. Through specialized training CERT provides a vital service in the absence of emergency responders. Read more about CERT and becoming a member under the Emergency Management CERT tab. 

If you see suspicious behavior, REPORT IT!!
1-866-4-SAFE-NJ

To learn more, visit Njhomelandsecurity.gov