NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) — Rutgers University has launched a new institute to help government agencies and businesses prepare for natural disasters and other emergencies.

Rutgers New Brunswick campus
Rutgers New Brunswick campus (Rutgers)
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The state's flagship public university announced the institute Friday during a conference on emergency preparedness.

The plan is for the institute to coordinate research and education on disasters and to help outside entities with planning.

It is to be led by Clifton Lacy, who has previously served as state health commissioner and president of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

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