Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
(OEM Coordinator 3-year term/Deputy 1-year term – Mayor’s appointment) TERM DATES
Dennis VanNatta – OEM Coordinator 1-1-2023 thru 12-31-2025
Lt. James Richie – Deputy OEM Coordinator 1-1-2023 thru 12-31-2023
Captain Brendon Canavan – Deputy OEM Coordinator 1-1-2023 thru 12-31-2023
Email:
Mission
Our mission is to provide a comprehensive and integrated emergency management system that coordinates community resources to protect lives, property, and the environment through mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery from all natural and man-made hazards that may impact our township.
Emergency Management Plan
The Township of Scotch Plains has developed an action plan to protect local citizens, businesses and property in the event of a natural or man-made emergency or disaster. It is an all-hazards plan that is adaptable to any type of emergency or disaster that the Township may have to deal with.
What We Do for You and Scotch Plains
- Coordinate Emergency Management activities for the Twp. of Scotch Plains.
- Maintain and update the Township’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, Hazards Vulnerability Analysis, and Hazard Mitigation Plan.
- Activate and staff the Township’s Emergency Operations Center.
- Coordinate for local, state, and federal government response and recovery operations during a major emergency or disaster.
- Maintain and operate the Township’s Emergency Operations Center.
- Monitor severe weather watches, warnings, and special statements issued by the National Weather Service and provide this information to other local government departments including Police, Fire EMS and Public Works and Township Leadership and department heads.
- Serve as the Chairman of the Local Emergency Preparedness Committee (LEPC).
- Provide assistance and support to all public safety agencies, government entities, and private sector partners through planning, training, and exercising.
- Coordinate resource support to the on scene Incident Commanders when requested.
- Provide continuity of Operations Planning information and guidance.
Communications Information
Effective emergency management and incident response activities rely on flexible communications and information systems. The Township of Scotch Plains Office of Emergency Management continues to try and use the most efficient and effective way to communicate with our residents and businesses through a variety of media options.
Currently you can receive up to date emergency information from the following sources;
UPDATE: Code Red/Union County First Alert
The Township of Scotch Plains will be transitioning from CodeRed to EverBridge, officially branded as Union County First Alert for its emergency notification system. To continue receiving emergency notifications you will have to register for the new system. No data will be transferred from CodeRed to EverBridge. In order to avoid a lapse in you receiving emergency messages, register for the new system by April 30, 2019
To register, visit www.ucfirstalert.org. Remember to select Scotch Plains under the municipality group when selecting your alert subscriptions while registering. If you require any technical assistance in registering, e-mail
We will be sending periodic reminders to our residents to ensure everyone is aware they have to register for UC-FirstAlert. Please remember to register for the new system by April 30, 2019 to ensure you continue to receive important local notifications
Social Media
The Township of Scotch utilizes Facebook and Twitter and the Township Webpage to keep residents informed about events and on-going items of interest. During an emergency, the Township Webpage, Facebook and Twitter will be utilized to communicate as well. If other social media platforms provide an opportunity to communicate to a wide-number of residents we will look to utilize them as well.
Television
Verizon FIOS channel 22 and Comcast channel 34 will also be used in the event of an emergency or severe weather event to provide important information as well.