Midland Park Police Seeks Community Emergency Response Team Members

MIDLAND PARK, N.J. -- Think you'd be calm in the face of an emergency?

Ordinary citizens are encouraged to join the local emergency response team. These team members are carrying a disaster survivor.
Photo Credit: *FEMA website*

01/22/2016 12:30 p.m.

If so, you may be a fit for the local Community Emergency Response Team, which is looking for new members.

The training program begins Feb. 2 and continues through mid-April. Training courses, student materials and equipment are provided free.

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.

The events of Sept. 11, 2001 brought into focus that a disaster can strike anywhere or any time, and that basic safety and disaster survival skills can make all the difference. CERT training empowers community members to prepare responsibly and respond appropriately when emergencies occur.

The CERT training program was developed with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The program can be used nationwide and adapted to meet local conditions.

If you join a CERT, you will receive basic-level training in emergency preparedness, fire suppression, disaster psychology and more.

The county CERT classes will be at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute, 281 Campgaw Road, Mahwah. They are from 7-9:30 p.m. Thursdays from Feb. 2 through April 19.

If interested, contact Kevin Topp at 201-670-1584 or CERT16@gmail.com.

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