Burlington County, New Jersey officials are advising residents to exercise continued caution following a major winter storm that impacted the region over the weekend. While the immediate threat of heavy snowfall has passed, authorities are emphasizing the potential for lingering hazards and urging preparedness.
The Burlington County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been coordinating responses to the storm, working to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. The county’s encouragement for caution comes as communities begin the process of clearing snow and ice, and assessing any damage caused by the weather event. Specific details regarding the storm’s impact – including snowfall totals and reported incidents – were not immediately available, but the county’s proactive messaging suggests a significant disruption.
The OEM’s approach to emergency management is rooted in a set of guiding principles, emphasizing collaboration, comprehensiveness, coordination, flexibility, integration, professionalism, and a progressive outlook. According to the county’s official website, emergency managers are expected to create and sustain broad and sincere relationships among individuals and organizations to encourage trust, advocate a team atmosphere, build consensus, and facilitate communication.
This collaborative spirit is crucial in effectively responding to and mitigating the effects of disasters.
The county’s emergency management framework also prioritizes a comprehensive approach, considering all hazards, all phases, all stakeholders, and all impacts relevant to disasters.
This holistic view acknowledges that emergencies are rarely isolated events and require a coordinated response that addresses a wide range of potential consequences. The emphasis on coordination ensures that the activities of all relevant stakeholders are synchronized to achieve a common purpose.
The recent winter storm underscores the importance of flexibility in emergency management. Unexpected challenges often arise during disaster response, requiring officials to adapt and innovate in order to effectively address evolving circumstances. The county’s commitment to an integrated approach – ensuring unity of effort among all levels of government and all elements of a community
– is also vital for maximizing resources and minimizing duplication of effort.
The Burlington County OEM operates under the umbrella of the county’s Department of Public Safety. Darryl Williams serves as the OEM Coordinator, and can be reached at dtwilliams@co.burlington.nj.us or by phone at 609-265-7165. His role is central to the county’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
The county’s emergency preparedness efforts are informed by a broader national context. A nationwide emergency was declared in by former President Trump, pursuant to Section 501(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the “Stafford Act”). This declaration increased federal support to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in its response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist state and local governments. While the current situation involves a winter storm and not a public health crisis, the Stafford Act remains a critical framework for federal disaster assistance.
The Stafford Act provides a legal basis for federal involvement in disaster response, enabling FEMA to provide financial and logistical support to affected communities. This support can include funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and infrastructure repairs. The availability of federal assistance is often contingent on a state or county declaring a state of emergency, which triggers the process for requesting federal aid.
Burlington County’s proactive approach to emergency management reflects a growing recognition of the importance of preparedness in the face of increasingly frequent and severe weather events. Climate change is contributing to more extreme weather patterns, including heavier snowfalls, more intense storms, and prolonged periods of drought. These changes necessitate a robust and adaptable emergency management system capable of responding to a wide range of threats.
The county’s guiding principles – collaborative, comprehensive, coordinated, flexible, integrated, professional, and progressive – provide a solid foundation for building a disaster-resistant and disaster-resilient community. By fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, considering all potential hazards, and embracing innovative approaches, Burlington County is working to protect its residents from the impacts of future emergencies.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather conditions and heed the advice of local authorities. Access to reliable information is crucial during emergencies, and the Burlington County OEM website serves as a valuable resource for updates and guidance. The county’s emphasis on caution underscores the importance of individual responsibility in ensuring personal safety and contributing to the overall resilience of the community.
