Starting on August 14th, 2013, the Brick Township Office of Emergency Management will be conducting classes for adult residents that would like to volunteer to become a member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Brick Police Department tells TLS.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community

Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, there can be an emergency or disaster that can overwhelm the community’s immediate response capability. While adjacent jurisdictions, State, and Federal resources can activate to help, there may be a delay for them getting to those who need them. The primary reason for CERT training is to give people the decision-making, organizational, and practical skills to offer immediate assistance to family members, neighbors, and associates while waiting for help. While people will respond to others in need without the training, the goal of the CERT program is to help people do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

A success story about the Brick CERT comes from events after Hurricane Sandy. Members of CERT assisted in the organization and staffing of the Emergency Management Operation Center, delivery and distribution of supplies to families in need and to Emergency Personnel, assist in the staffing of the emergency shelter and numerous other important tasks during the hurricane. CERT members became an invaluable part of the Hurricane Sandy Recovery for the Twp of Brick.

Classes to become a volunteer member of the Brick Township CERT begin on Wednesday, August 14th, 2013, and continue every Wednesday for nine weeks. The class begins at 6:00pm to 8:30 pm. Contact the Brick Township Office of Emergency management at 732-262-1167 for more information. [TLS]