MANALAPAN – Following major emergencies, first responders who provide fire, medical and community safety services will have to establish priorities for the use of their response resources. Individual preparedness, as well as the ability to safely and effectively assist others, allows members of the community to care for themselves until more help arrives.
The federal government began promoting the nationwide use of organized Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) in 1992 as two means to connect the professional response community with the people they serve, according to a press release from the township.
The CERT program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical (emergency first aid) operations, according to the press release.
Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, persons trained in CERT can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.
CERT trained individuals are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community, according to the press release.
Manalapan MRC-CERT is offering its annual 20-hour CERT training program starting on Jan. 14 at the municipal building, Route 522, beginning at 7 p.m. Training will continue once each week until the beginning of April.
Enrollment and materials are free and open to individuals age 16 and older. Youths age 16 and 17 may participate with a signed permission slip and a waiver from their parents. Upon completion of the course, participants will be invited to join the MRC-CERT team, although doing so is not a requirement.
Individuals who are interested in the training should contact the Manalapan Health Department at 732-446-8345 or email health@mtnj.org by Jan. 10.
Manalapan MRC-CERT currently consists of more than 300 volunteers. A medical background is not required to participate. The team meets throughout the year for refresher training and drills, and also supports municipally sponsored events, according to the press release.
