Target to Help N.J. Respond to Future Disasters

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security.

New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP) Director Charles B. McKenna announced [Dec. 1] that his office has entered into an agreement with Target Corporation which will enable state and local emergency management officials to partner with Target to help restore essential services to communities affected by any type of large-scale emergency. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines the terms of collaboration between OHSP and Target so that Target will be able to assist state and local officials in the response and recovery efforts to a wide variety of emergency or catastrophic events, such as a terrorist attack or a hurricane or tropical storm affecting New Jersey.

“Partnering with the private sector is critical to any state or local government’s emergency management strategy,” McKenna said. “By actively engaging corporate leaders like Target, New Jersey is working to ensure that residents and communities are able to recover as quickly as possible following any type of emergency or disaster event. The Christie administration is committed to constantly improving the state’s readiness, resiliency, and response capabilities, and agreements like this are consistent with the Governor’s agenda.”

Following the lessons learned from the devastating effects of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, McKenna said that his office will be entering into similar agreements with other businesses, particularly big-box retail stores, and that these agreements represent another step in the state’s efforts to engage the private sector when it comes to emergency preparedness and homeland security matters affecting New Jersey. In 2011, New Jersey experienced four federally declared disasters.

"Target's locations in all areas of the state enhance our strategies for getting supplies into hard-hit areas, and address other logistical concerns during large-scale emergencies," said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police and Director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management. "We look forward to participating in additional partnerships involving the expertise of the private sector, and applying that expertise to quickly and effectively serve New Jersey residents during adverse conditions."

“When disaster strikes, Target listens and acts quickly to donate time, money and essentials to help support the needs of our communities,” said Brad Brekke, vice president, Assets Protection, Target. “We are proud to partner with the New Jersey OHSP to share our resources and expertise when they are needed most.”

Target has maintained a New Jersey presence since 1997, when it opened its first store in Edison. Currently, Target has 43 stores operating in 17 New Jersey counties. McKenna said state and local government officials will continue to work with public and private sector partners throughout New Jersey to improve the readiness and resiliency of the state’s critical infrastructure sites and key resources, the majority of which are owned and/or operated by the private sector.

More information about OHSP can be found at www.njhomelandsecurity.gov. More information about State OEM can be found at www.state.nj.us./njoem.