Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in New Jersey on Sunday when the first major winter storm in 2021 hit Garden State.
As sinister as it may seem, the state of emergency, which takes effect at 7 pm, means more to the police, firefighters and other public security officials who respond to the event than it does to the average person.
- Track when it will snow and how much it will accumulate in your NJ city with this new map
There are also restrictions for commercial vehicles on several major highways and all state offices will be closed on Monday, except for essential workers
All NJ Transit buses, trains (except Atlantic City Rail Line), light rail and link service will be temporarily suspended throughout the system on Monday.
Q: Why does the governor declare a state of emergency?
A: The decision is made to help respond to dangerous weather conditions or in anticipation as quickly as possible to prevent or alleviate “damage, loss, difficulty or suffering,” according to the NJ Emergency Management Office. In collaboration with local and county public safety authorities, the state can close roads, evacuate homes and purchase equipment or other resources to protect public safety.
Perhaps most importantly, the declaration allows the state to request federal assistance or reimbursement for extraordinary expenses.
Q: Do I have to stay at home? I can drive?
A: When declaring a state of emergency, the governor urges all non-essential personnel to stay off the roads so as not to interfere with law enforcement and emergency response. An emergency declaration does not mean that drivers will be fined just for being on the roads, and “essential” personnel are not defined by law.
If conditions worsen and direction needs to be restricted for reasons of public safety, the New Jersey Emergency Management Office will alert the public “using all available means, including, but not limited to: Emergency Alert System, communications press releases, DOT road signs and law enforcement teletypes. ”
Q: If I am unable to work because of the storm or my boss says I don’t have to go, does the emergency statement allow me to argue that I should be paid?
A: No, unless you have a contract that says so. The state is not involved in private workplace decisions.
Q: Are state offices closed during an emergency?
A: The governor has the option to close state offices.
Q: Where can I find up-to-date information about the storm and road conditions?
A: Monitor the NJ State Police and Emergency Management Office social media accounts:
You can also subscribe to receive text and email alerts:
- NIXLE – www.nixle.com.
- NJ Alert – www.njalert.gov.
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Matt Arco can be contacted at [email protected].