First responseNew Jersey teams with Target for disaster response

During the next major disaster, New Jersey emergency responders will receive assistance from the big box retailer Target.

Last week the company announced that it had officially teamed up with New Jersey’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to assist state and local officials in the event of a major disaster or terrorist attack.

Under the memorandum of understanding that the company signed with the state, Target will provide emergency management teams with large quantities of supplies like food and water as well as logistical support.

“They can move food, water, and building supplies better than anyone,” said Charles McKenna, director of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.

According to McKenna, prior to Hurricane Irene, New Jersey emergency officials contacted Target, which has forty-three stores in the state, and other large retailers to help distribute bottled water to communities affected by the storm.

The latest memorandum of understanding formalizes Targets role in emergency response operations and outlines the extent of their collaboration.

“We believe a strategic alliance with Target can better assist New Jersey during a recovery from a catastrophe,” McKenna said.

John Griffin, a spokesman for Target, said the company had already entered several similar emergency response agreements across the nation.

“We’re happy to help our guests, team members and communities,” Griffin said.