New Jersey Special Needs

The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP) sought to increase its knowledge and understanding of the requirements of people with special needs before, during, and after an emergency. OHSP hired Delta to assist with this effort within a four-county planning area, including Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

As part of this engagement, Delta provided a demographic study of the planning area analyzing the number of individuals with special needs, their geographic concentrations, and their demographic characteristics (e.g., age, need, disability). The study was used to help coordinate a communication plan that would enable OHSP to embark on a marketing/outreach campaign focused on message, medium, and targeted audience. The communication plan went beyond just recommending conventional media outlets and structured a community outreach program that incorporated organizations that have day-to-day interaction with the targeted population. As part of the communication plan, Delta developed public service announcements, press releases, and collateral material (e.g., brochures, preparedness check list, and PowerPoint presentations).

The implementation of the communication plan directed individuals with special needs to the special needs registry. In order to register these individuals, Delta implemented its Total Visibility – Special Needs software application. The software application helps state and local governments identify and assist individuals with special needs during an evacuation event. The system not only helps emergency managers respond during an emergency but is a critical tool for pre-planning and exercises. Along with identifying the special needs population, the Delta team analyzed and recommended functional needs shelter locations and a shelter plan. The plan focused on standard operating procedures, staffing, training, and resources necessary to successfully run a functional needs shelter. One of the main components for identifying viable functional needs hurricane evacuation shelters is Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis. GIS analysis was utilized to target and eliminate insufficient shelters based on their geographic location.

The project team has helped the State of New Jersey identify and prepare to assist individuals with special needs. Additionally, it has provided outreach mechanisms to ensure that all individuals focus on self-preparedness.

As a result of the successful project, Delta is currently working with New Jersey to implement pilot projects in the entire state. This will be one of the nation’s first statewide special needs registry and outreach programs.