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New Jersey, It's Time to Outsmart the Storm
Your hurricane prep guide for adults over 50 in the Garden State
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Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 and in New Jersey, the action typically picks up between August and late October. A little prep now means a lot less stress later.
Nobody loves making a hurricane kit. It feels a bit like packing for a camping trip you never asked for. But for adults over 50 in New Jersey, a solid plan is the thing that keeps you in charge of your own day, no matter what the weather throws at you. According to a 2023 AARP survey, fewer than 3 in 10 older adults actually have an emergency plan in place. That gap is easy to close.
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Know Your Zone Before the Wind Blows in New Jersey
For New Jersey adults over 50, knowing your evacuation zone is the single most useful thing you can do before storm season starts. New Jersey uses a zone-based system. A voluntary evacuation order encourages people in flood-prone areas to seek higher ground. A mandatory order means the danger is serious and you need to leave. Find your zone before any storm warning is issued. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management also recommends signing up for local alerts through your municipality so warnings come directly to you.
Build Your Go Kit for New Jersey Storms
Think of this as packing one very important bag. Keep it easily accessible in case you need to evacuate quickly. For adults over 50 in New Jersey, your go-bag should include:
- Medications, important documents, a flashlight, batteries, cell phone chargers, non-perishable food, and water
- A three-day supply of medications with a cooler and ice packs if any require refrigeration
- Personal essentials like travel-size toiletries, first aid kit, contact lens solution and hearing aids with extra batteries
- A card listing your full name, allergies, and a family contact number
- Copies of key documents stored in a waterproof bag
- Cash to be used if ATM or credit card machines are not working
For a deeper look into what your go-bag should include, see our story on The New Go Bag: What You Need in Your Emergency Escape or the Ready.Gov Build a Kit article.
Plan for Power Outages If You Use Medical Equipment in New Jersey
For New Jersey adults over 50 who use electrically powered medical devices, do not wait for a storm warning to sort out your backup plan. Keep information about your medical devices in your go-bag, including model numbers and vendor contacts for oxygen, walkers, and wheelchairs. If you may need to go to a shelter, make those arrangements before bad weather hits. Some shelters provide access to equipment and medical staff, but they need to know you are coming. Make those arrangements early. If you plan to use a generator, place it outdoors in a well-ventilated area away from windows and doors. Never run it indoors or in an enclosed space, as this poses a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. More information on backup power options, see the AARP article, Generators Can Be a Lifesaver for Older Adults. But Should You Go Gas or Electric?
For Family Caregivers in New Jersey: Assign Roles Before the Storm
If you are helping care for a loved one in New Jersey, a little coordination now can prevent a lot of scrambling later. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management Hurricane Survival Guide for New Jersey recommends designating someone outside the state as a family point of contact. After a disaster, it is often easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area. Make sure all family members know who this person is and how to reach them. FEMA also offers a free Disaster Preparedness Guide for Caregivers specifically for caregivers to help you and your loved one build a plan together.
Three Things New Jersey Adults Over 50 Can Do Today
- Look up your evacuation zone.
- Download AARP's free Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Adults 50-plus in English or Spanish.
- Talk to your pharmacist about building a seven-day medication buffer.
New Jersey residents can also call 2-1-1, toll-free, around the clock, for preparedness information and local resources.
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