(WEST TRENTON ) - Governor Jon S. Corzine and Homeland Security and Preparedness Director Richard L. Cañas today led New Jersey Cabinet Members through a hurricane evacuation exercise - a drill involving the fictional scenario of a hurricane striking the New Jersey coast.

The exercise was conducted as a "tabletop" or logistical discussion at New Jersey State Police Headquarters. Today's exercise was designed to test agencies' ability statewide to evacuate and shelter large numbers of residents, and to help communities recover from the aftermath of a major storm.

The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM), directed by State Police Colonel Rick Fuentes, will lead New Jersey 's response in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm. The State Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, led by Cañas, will be tasked with making sure NJOEM has the resources needed to lead that response.

"New Jersey's emergency planners work throughout the year to enhance our preparedness by reviewing existing plans, working with local emergency response agencies, and conducting exercises much like the one we're engaged in today," Corzine said. "These simulations help to raise awareness, coordinate our efforts and our resources, and come up with creative solutions to the challenges we will face in emergencies."

In preparation for an emergency evacuation, NJOEM works with local agencies to help enhance their evacuation plans, including plans to use mass transit to help evacuate individuals who depend on public transportation. They have developed "reverse lane strategies" which would expedite an evacuation by sending traffic in one direction along the four major statewide highways. Additionally, evacuation routes are being marked with blue dot emergency evacuation signs and a corresponding public information campaign to increase evacuation route awareness is in development.

Due to New Jersey 's population density, it would take many hours to evacuate most coastal areas. To prepare for an evacuation residents must, at a minimum, take the following precautions:

• Residents who own a car should keep at least a half a tank of gas in it at all times to avoid being stuck on line at a gas station when it is time to evacuate.

• Residents who do not own a car should learn about their area's plans to provide buses and other mass transit to assist in evacuation. Residents can also make plans with a neighbor who drives.

• If ordered to evacuate, residents should take that order seriously and act immediately.

• Other items : Residents should also consider packing snacks, toys and other items to keep their family occupied during the long drive.

• Residents should consider making arrangements to stay with friends or family. Public shelters will be available to those who evacuate, but they are not ideal places to spend such a stressful time.

• Public shelters can not accept pets, except for Americans with Disabilities Act assistance animals.

In many areas, an immediately approaching storm will trigger an order for residents to "shelter-in-place" - to take shelter at home or work, and stay there until the all-clear is given. Residents in areas damaged by a hurricane may find water, electricity, roads and other services cut off for a few days after the storm has passed. Support from FEMA will not be available for the first few days. Support from state and other agencies may not be immediately available, due to damaged roads or bridges, flooding, or other hazards. For that reason, all residents - even those in inland areas - should be ready to be self-sufficient for up to three days. Residents can prepare now by keeping, at a minimum, the following items in a safe place:

• Three days' supply of non-perishable food and water.

• Several days' supply of any needed medications.

• Diapers and other specialty items.

• A battery-powered radio and extra batteries. When services are cut off, your radio will be a lifeline to information about the recovery efforts.

• A supply of cash. If the power is out, ATMs may not be working.

"This administration has taken a pro-active approach to homeland security and preparedness," Cañas said. "These drills are preparing us not just for disease pandemics or hurricanes, but for all hazards - from natural disasters to terrorist incidents to industrial accidents."

"NJOEM has been preparing for hurricanes and the damage they can cause for many years," Fuentes said. "We are never finished; we constantly seek new ways to enhance our plans, which includes making sure our residents are prepared."

Further preparedness information can be found at NJOEM's website, www.ready.nj.gov .

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