Safety Planning

Safety planning is not about limiting freedom—it’s about giving people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to live full, safe, and independent lives.

  Mercer County Sheriff’s Project Lifesaver Program

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Project Lifesaver Program helps people with cognitive disabilities who may wander away from home and get lost. After meeting with trained staff, the person receives a small wrist transmitter they wear at all times.

The Sheriff’s Office also keeps important information in a secure database, such as:

• Medicines the person needs
• Places they have wandered before
• Old addresses they might return to
• Family contact information
• A recent photograph

This information helps rescue teams find the person quickly and safely. With Project Lifesaver, search times are much shorter, which can save lives.

Families who want to enroll a loved one in this free program can contact the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office at 609-989-6109.

 NJ Register Ready

New Jersey offers a program that lets residents with disabilities or access and functional needs share important information with emergency responders. This helps police, firefighters, and other emergency workers plan ahead so they can give the right support during a disaster or emergency.

The information people provide is private and confidential. It is kept in a secure system and is only used to help emergency responders during emergencies or for planning how to keep people safe.

Why Should You Register?

Registering helps local officials contact you right away if an evacuation is ordered during an emergency. Getting this warning quickly can save your life.

• NJ Special Needs Register
  • You can sign up through the NJ Special Needs Portal.
  • For help registering, call 211 (toll?free). An operator will guide you through the process.
• Emergency Alerts
  • NIXLE Alerts - New Jersey residents can get emergency messages on their phones or email through Nixle alerts.
  • To sign up by text: Send your zip code to 888777 (data rates may apply).
• County Coordinators - Mercer County 

  • The first and most important way to stay safe in a disaster is to be personally prepared. During an emergency, the government and other agencies may not be able to help you right away. That’s why every person should make their own emergency plan and be ready to take care of themselves and their family.

    Registering on this website can help emergency workers know your needs, but it is not a guarantee that they will be able to reach you during an emergency. Personal planning and preparedness steps are still essential for your safety.