Emergency Management

New Jersey law requires every municipality and county to have a state approved Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and to appoint an Emergency Management Coordinator, who in conjunction with local government is responsible for coordinating the necessary actions to protect lives and property during times of disaster and emergency. Municipalities must also appoint an Emergency Management Council, known as Local Emergency Planning Committee – (LEPC).

Chatham Township’s Municipal Emergency Operations Plan is constantly being reviewed, tested and updated and required to be approved by the state every four years. The plan last received NJ Office of Emergency Management recertification in April 2018.

Emergency Management is a comprehensive system that starts at the local level and includes the County, State and Federal Governments. It is most effective and efficient when it becomes a shared responsibility between government and citizens. Government can provide regulations, alert citizens and respond to a variety of potential and real disasters.

Our resources are limited though and in a wide scale disaster government may not be able to respond to everyone and certainly not all at once. At the height of a disaster, for the safety and well being of our own personnel, we may not be able to provide relief, such as in the middle of a hurricane. Simple steps by you and your family however will go a long way in mitigating the effects of a disaster.
Take time to review the various sections of this Website to learn more about what we are doing to meet our mission of protecting lives and property. There is information on how you can sign up to be notified of an emergency. Most important, you will find information about what YOU can doto better prepare for any type of disaster. Visit our links and please take the initiative and individual action to help you plan and prepare for you and your family’s safety and security.

OEM Staff & LEPC

These are the current members of the Chatham Township Local Emergency Planning Council.

• Jon Weston, OEM Coordinator
• Police Chief Tom Miller, Deputy Coordinator
• Peter King, Attorney
• Chief Michael Zalis, Green Village Fire Department
• Chief Matt Chase, Chatham Township Fire Department
• Captain Mike Lemons, Chatham Emergency Squad
• Michael Fitzpatrick, Health Officer
• Christy Hodde, Red Cross Administrator
• Mike LaSusa, School District of the Chathams Superintendent
  • • RACES-radio Official
    • Video Producer – Chatham Township Government Access Channels

Volunteer

Our community depends on the volunteer efforts of many citizens who give of their time, skills and training to provide essential services to residents in time of need. These are dedicated, proud individuals who are giving back to the community in many important ways. They are “neighbors helping neighbors.” Consider your financial support for this important work. And consider volunteering, too. You’ll be in good company.

We are always looking for volunteers—even in non-firefighting capacities. No experience is necessary and all training and equipment will be provided. If you are interested in joining the fire department, please e-mail us.

Chatham Township’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training empowers community members to prepare responsibly and respond appropriately when emergencies occur. Contact us if you are interested in joining CERT.