Emergency Preparedness for the Rutgers Community
There are many resources available through Rutgers and the State of New Jersey in the event of an emergency. Please take a few moments to view the information below & become familiar with the steps you should take before and during an emergency or natural disaster.
It is highly recommended that you print out important phone numbers and preparation lists in case there is a loss of power and you only have use of a landline phone or battery operated radio.
Emergency Kit Essentials and Things to Know
- Water: 3 day supply of water (3 gallons per person), Method of Water Purification
- Food: 3 day Supply of Canned, Non-perishable Food, Can Opener
- Prescription Medication: One week supply
- Warmth: Matches to light gas stove/gas lighter, Sleeping bags, Extra blankets!
- Light Sources: Flashlight, Extra Batteries, Battery Operated Candles, for your safety avoid using live candles.
- Generators: If allowed where you live, should be 20 feet away from home
- First Aid Kit: Band aids, Burn gel, Antibiotic ointment
- Communication: Radio with Batteries, Cell phone and Charger
- Personal Sanitation: Tissues, Toothbrush and paste, Moist towelettes
- Extra Clothing: Jackets, Scarves, Hats, Gloves, Rain Slicker/Poncho
- Money: At least $20 and some change
- Important: Papers, documents, List of medications/allergies, Emergency contact phone numbers/addresses
- Vehicles: Fill up your gas tank, Extra container of gas, Emergency car kit
- Portable Waterproof Containers: for important documents, personal items, medications
- Fire Alarm/Carbon Monoxide Alarm: Battery Operated or with Battery Backup, 1 on each floor of residence
- Matches/Flame Lighter: to light gas stove top with electric ignition to boil water, heat food
- Important Numbers: Look up and print out your gas, electric, and water companies to report loss of service or if you smell gas.
Click here for more information, and to find a sample Emergency Kit Checklist.
Food Safety
If the power goes out, here are some food safety tips:
- It should be safe as long as power is out no more than 4 hours.
- Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers) that has been above 40 °F for over 2 hours.
- Never taste food to determine its safety! You can’t rely on appearance or odor to determine whether food is safe.
Note: Always discard any items in the refrigerator that have come into contact with raw meat juices. Use this chart as a guide to food safety in the event of an emergency.
Important University Telephone numbers for New Brunswick/Piscataway Campus
Emergency Number: Obtain an outside line and dial 9-1-1
Non-emergency Public Safety number: (848) 932-7211
Other Non-Emergency Numbers
- Rutgers University Police Department (848) 932-7211
- Rutgers University Emergency Services (848) 932-4800
- Rutgers Environmental Health and Safety (848) 445-2550
- Rutgers Office of Emergency Management (848) 932-4880
- Student Health Services (848) 932-7402
- Facilities Maintenance (848) 445-1234
- Parking and Transportation (848) 932-7744
- Counseling Centers (848) 932-7884
During an emergency, the New Brunswick Campus Operating Status page features important information and updates about the campus status (e.g., class cancellations, office closings, etc.) for Rutgers-New Brunswick.
When announcements are made, campus status information will also be available through:
- RU-info Channel on RU-tv 3
- RU-info Call Center at (732) 445-INFO (4636)
- Texting “Rutgers” to 66746
- Rutgers University Facebook page
- Rutgers University Twitter (@RutgersU)
For more information about the university’s policy concerning adverse weather conditions, please visit the Rutgers University Emergency Management website.
Campus Safety and Emergency Text Messages
Please the Rutgers University Campus Safety webpage to register to receive emergency campus text messages.
For more information, please visit the Rutgers Emergency Action Plans webpage.
Other websites with emergency preparedness information:
American Red Cross:
redcross.org
NJ Office of Emergency Management:
state.nj.us/njoem
