Somerset County’s Office of Emergency Management graduated 10 residents from their Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training Program. The residents volunteered 30 hours in June to learn about supporting their local communities and first-responders when emergencies and disasters strike.
“CERT teams play a crucial role in mitigating disasters and managing emergencies in Somerset County,” said Commissioner Doug Singleterry, liaison to the Office of Emergency Management in a release through Somerset County. “Each volunteer is a tremendous resource to first responders, their respective communities, and for the people of Somerset County.”
This year’s Spring CERT class included residents from Somerville, Somerset, Branchburg, Basking Ridge, Bridgewater, Bernardsville, and Watchung.
Volunteers trained at the Emergency Services Training Academy in Hillsborough and learned about Disaster Preparedness, CERT Organization, Light Search and Rescue, Disaster Psychology, Terrorism, Fire Safety, Medical Operations, Sheltering Operations, and Stop the Bleed. Following their extensive training, each participant is required to complete a written exam and practical exercise to officially graduate.
Local CERT programs help to train and organize teams of volunteers to assist their families, neighbors, co-workers, and other community members during emergencies when professional responders may not be immediately available.
Before, during, and after disasters, CERT volunteer teams perform basic response activities, including checking in on neighbors, distribution of information to the public, supporting emergency operations centers, and helping to manage traffic and crowds.
The deployment of CERT volunteers to perform these activities enables professional responders to focus efforts on more complex, essential, and often life-saving tasks. CERT volunteers also support their communities by organizing, promoting, and participating in emergency preparedness events, activities, and projects.
For more information regarding the CERT program, please utilize the following link: https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/public-health-safety/emergency-management/cert-volunteers.
