The
New Jersey Office of Emergency Management,
today supplied Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) volunteers with specialized
Utility Trailers, to enhance their emergency
response capabilities during times of crisis
as well as assist first responders in the
field.
“New
Jersey is proud to be one of the nation’s
largest CERT programs with 15,000 volunteers.
As we continue to build this essential homeland
security program, we will enhance our volunteer’s
efforts by equipping them with tools such
as emergency response Utility Trailers to
compliment their training and undying dedication
to their fellow resident’s safety,”
said Lieutenant Colonel Jerome Hatfield;
Deputy Superintendent of the New Jersey
State Police Homeland Security Branch and
Chairman of the New Jersey Citizen’s
Corps Council.
The
Utility Trailers awarded to CERT teams are
strategically located across New Jersey.
Each trailer is loaded with the equipment
necessary to set up a mobile command post
and triage center, emergency lights, stretchers,
rescue devices and medical supplies. Today’s
deployment brings the total number of CERT
Utility Trailer in New Jersey to 82.
The
following CERT teams received Utility Trailers:
-
MAHWAH / BERGEN COUNTY
- LYNDHURST
/ BERGEN COUNTY
- SOMERVILLE
/ RARITAN / SOMERSET COUNTY
- TRIBORO
CERT /BURLINGTON COUNTY
- PHILLIPSBURG
/ WARREN COUNTY
- STOCKTON
COLLEGE / ATLANTIC COUNTY
- FRENCHTOWN
/ HUNTERDON COUNTY
- CLARK
/ UNION COUNTY
- MONMOUNTH
COUNTY
Today’s
deployment of Utility Trailers is funded
entirely by the United States Department
of Homeland Security and FEMA. Each trailer
is valued at $3,400. The equipment in each
trailer is valuated at about $3,000.
“The
New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
will continue to support this valuable program
and empower CERT volunteers as they selflessly
continue their commitment to the state and
its residents during an emergency,”
added Hatfield.
New
Jersey Citizen Corps is a volunteer organization
directed by NJOEM. It includes the Community
Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Medical
Reserve Corps (MRC), Neighborhood Watch,
Volunteers in Police Service and Fire Corps.
New Jersey Citizen Corps and New Jersey
CERT are the largest programs of their kind
in the nation.
Citizen
Corps volunteers are ordinary citizens who
supplement and support their area’s
first responders. The volunteers undergo
basic emergency management training including
fire suppression, first aid and triage,
search and rescue and disaster psychology.
During
crises including the June 2006 flooding,
New Jersey CERT volunteers have taken a
leadership role in helping their neighbors;
staffing emergency operations centers and
evacuee shelters; directing the activities
of other volunteers; and searching for missing
children.
Citizen
Corps volunteers must be at least 18 years
old and have a valid drivers license. Anyone
can participate, regardless of their level
of physical ability. Those interested should
call (609) 538-6064 and
speak with Howard Butt, the New Jersey Citizen
Corps Coordinator.
CERT information can be found at www.Ready.NJ.gov.
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