CERT Members Needed

CERT members needed
CERT members needed


Midland Park Office of Emergency Management
280 Godwin Ave.
Midland Park, NJ 07432
The CERT concept dates back to 1985, when the Los Angeles Fire Department recognized that in
the early stages of a disaster - earthquakes in particular - local emergency responders would be
overwhelmed, and basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills would improve the ability of
community members to survive until responders or other assistance arrived.
Recognizing the universal value of this program, the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) worked in conjunction with the LAFD to make the CERT program applicable to all types of
hazards and developed a CERT training program which could be used nationwide and adapted to
meet local conditions when the need arose.
The tragic events of September 11 remind us that disaster can strike anywhere or anytime, and
that basic safety and disaster survival skills can mean the difference between life and death. CERT
training empowers community members to prepare responsibly and respond appropriately when
emergencies occur.
CERT members give critical support to first responders in emergencies, provide immediate
assistance to victims, organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site, and collect disaster
intelligence to support first responder efforts.
If you join a CERT, you will receive basic-level training in the following areas:
• Emergency Preparedness
• Disaster Medical Operations
• Fire Suppression
• Light Search and Rescue Operations
• CERT Operations/Incident Command System
• Disaster Psychology
• Terrorism Awareness
• Disaster Simulation -- Skills Review
Total training is usually about 20 hours, scheduled in 2-4 hour modules, over a period of weeks or
months, in order to address the scheduling needs of team members. It's held in the community or
county where you live.
Training courses, student materials and equipment are provided free of charge.
If you are an individual looking to join the Midland Park CERT Team, contact via email
oem@midlandpark-nj.org or call 201-445-5720 ext 19 for Midland Park OEM (Mike Rau NJCEM)