LAWRENCE, N.J.—Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes was joined today by local first responders to announce several public safety initiatives including a countywide telephone-based emergency notification system, countywide first responder radio system, community-based CERT first responder teams, expansions in the functions and grant funding of the County Environmental Health Agency, and emergency preparedness brochures to be distributed to area municipalities.

“With the threat of terrorism and pandemic illness looming over our communities, we in government need to make sure that our communities are prepared and protected,” began Hughes.  “In the first two years of my administration I have made protecting the health and safety of our citizens a top priority.  As I stand before you today, Mercer County is safer and more prepared than ever before.” 

Hughes announced several public safety initiatives, including a countywide Reverse 911 emergency notification system, a countywide emergency radio system linking County and Municipal first responders, expansion of the County Environmental Health Agency (CEHA), creation of Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and creation of emergency preparedness brochures which will be distributed to citizens countywide.

After his comments, Hughes demonstrated a simulation of a missing child alert on the Reverse 911 system and led attendees on a tour of homeland security equipment that Mercer County has purchased for County and Municipal first responder units.

“Creation of our CEHA office and expansion of our County OEM office is connecting our local governments, first responders and citizens,” continued Hughes.  “We’ve brought Mercer County’s emergency readiness into the 21^st century and will continue to strive to prepare for the unforeseen.”