Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for New Jersey Wednesday as the first winter storm of the season is set to pummel parts of the state with more than a foot of snow.
As ominous as it sounds, the state of emergency, which takes effect at 2 p.m., means more for the police, fire and other public safety officials responding to the event than it does for the average person. State offices for nonessential workers are closing at 1 p.m.
Q: Why does the governor declare a state of emergency?
A: The decision is made to help respond to hazardous weather conditions or in anticipation as quickly as possible to prevent or alleviating “damages, loss, hardship or suffering,” according to the N.J. Office of Emergency Management. In collaboration with county and local public safety officials, the state can close roads, evacuate homes and commandeer equipment or other resources to protect public safety.
Perhaps most importantly, the declaration allows the state to ask for federal assistance or reimbursement for extraordinary expenses.
Q: Do I have to stay home? Am I allowed to drive?
A: By declaring a state of emergency, the governor urges all nonessential personnel to stay off the roads so not to interfere with law enforcement and emergency responders. An emergency declaration doesn’t mean motorists will be ticketed for merely being on the roads, and “essential” personnel is not defined by law.
If conditions were to worsen and driving needs to be restricted for public safety reasons, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management will alert the public “using all available means, including, but not limited to: the Emergency Alert System, urgent press releases, DOT highway signs, and law enforcement teletypes.”
Q: If I can’t get to work because of the storm or my boss says I don’t have to come in, does the emergency declaration enable me to argue I should get paid?
A: No, unless you have a contract that says so. The state does not get involved in private workplace decisions.
Q: Are state offices closed during an emergency?
A: The governor has the choice to close state offices.
Q: Where can I find up-to-date information about the storm and road conditions?
A: Monitor the social media accounts for the Office of Emergency Management and the N.J. State Police:
You may also sign up for text and email alerts:
- NIXLE - www.nixle.com.
- NJ Alert - www.njalert.gov.
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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com.
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Here’s what a ‘state of emergency’ really means in N.J. as major snowstorm nears state - NJ.com
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