Legislation Streamlining New Jersey's Emergency Response Services Advances
Scalera Bill Makes it Easier for Officials to Access Emergency Supplies

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Fred Scalera to make it easier for emergency management officials to access materials needed to respond to a crisis is advancing toward law.

The bill (A-2457) would require the state Office of Emergency Management to maintain a regional database of public and private entities that provide emergency supplies.

“This would help identify emergency supplies and other resources that can be made available during a crisis,” said Scalera (D-Essex/Bergen/Passaic), a career emergency responder. “Emergencies are no time to be scrambling around looking for needed supplies. Preparation is crucial, and this would be another step that would protect not only emergency responders, but the public.”

Under the bill, emergency supplies would be considered equipment such as vehicles, boats, road signs, flares, cones, lights, personal protective gear; emergency food rations and first aid materials.

The bill was recently released by the Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee chaired by Scalera and now goes to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.

Assemblywoman Fred Scalera represents the 36th Legislative district, which includes a variety of townships in North Jersey. Among them are East Rutherford Borough, Garfield City, Lyndhurst Township, Nutley Township, and Passaic City.