NJOEM Recognizes Citizen Corps Volunteers
During National Volunteer Week
"People In Action" Enhance Disaster Preparedness Efforts
TRENTON N.J. – In recognition of National Volunteer Week, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management acknowledges the efforts of
thousands of Citizen Corps volunteers who enhance emergency management programs statewide.
"During National Volunteer Week, we salute 'people in action' in New Jersey who are contributing to our disaster preparedness effort," said State
Police Superintendent Colonel Rick Fuentes, Director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management. "New Jersey’s Citizen Corps Program is one of the most robust in the
nation; and we thank all volunteers who take a proactive approach toward helping others in their communities. Citizen engagement is the hallmark of an effective disaster
preparedness capability. If you want to become involved in helping others during adverse conditions, there’s a place for you in one of the Citizen Corps programs."
New Jersey Citizen Corps volunteers help their communities prepare for and respond to all types of disasters through education and training, and by promoting
a culture of personal responsibility and volunteer service. Based on the tradition of "neighbor helping neighbor," Citizen Corps programs build strong communities, enhance the
capabilities of emergency services organizations, and empower individuals to act responsibly and respond appropriately during critical times.
Citizen Corps programs active in New Jersey include:
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) - 430 CERT Teams representing 18,100 Volunteers
- Medical Reserve Corps – 5,252 volunteers in all 21 counties
- Neighborhood Watch – 506 NW groups
- Volunteers in Police Service - 72 VIPS programs
- Fire Corps – 29 FC programs
Citizens Corps volunteers have aided evacuees with basic needs, worked with FEMA Community Relations Officers after floods to provide
information about disaster assistance, and helped with medical needs shelter planning. In the two weeks following Tropic Storm Irene, NJ CERT and MRC
volunteers statewide logged nearly 42,000 hours. They served disaster survivors by helping with clean up, staffing emergency operations centers and call
centers, and aiding with evacuation and shelter operations. New Jersey’s Community Emergency Response Team program actively engages individuals with
disabilities in training and team membership.
For more information about Citizens Corps Programs, or if you want to be trained to help others after a disaster, visit:
http://www.state.nj.us/njoem/citizen/citizen.html
http://www.citizencorps.gov/index.shtm
For information on National Volunteer Week:
http://www.handsonnetwork.org/nationalprograms/signatureevents/nvw
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