Green Brook Aims to Launch Emergency Response Team

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene last year, hundreds of residents from Bound Brook were evacuated to an emergency shelter at , opened by the American Red Cross. 

Helping greet the residents and help them through the ordeal were members of the Warren Township Community Emergency Response Team, a corps of volunteers specially trained to assist the township's police, fire and rescue squad members when emergencies arise.

Green Brook officials are hoping to create a similar group to assist local first responders—as well as learn how to protect their own families and neighborhoods—and encourage residents to look into registering for the upcoming CERT training sessions hosted by Somerset County.

“Somerset County is fortunate to have so many well-trained emergency responders who do a wonderful job and who are dedicated to serving their communities,” Freeholder Mark Caliguire, emergency management liaison, said. “But, depending on the emergency and the scope of the county or regional situation, our first responders may not be able to reach all areas of the county right away. For that reason, we are offering CERT training to help our residents stay safe during disasters.” 

Classes will be held at the Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy, located at 402 Roycefield Road in Hillsborough. Training sessions will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on May 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 24. Classes also are planned to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 12 and 26. The program is offered free for county residents, and  students completing all modules receive a CERT certificate of completion. To sign up for the training, complete the form here and send it to the Somerset County OEM.

Once completed, CERT trained residents have a better understanding of the potential threats to their homes and community, and can take the right steps to lessen the effects of these hazards on themselves and their families. 

CERT training is intended to give people the decision-making, organizational and practical skills to offer immediate assistance to family members, neighbors and associates while waiting for help. Participants will learn about disaster preparedness and receive training in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. More informaiton is available on the CERT website. 

For more information about the CERT training program, contact Director Doug Vornlocker, Somerset County Office of Emergency Management, at (908) 725-5070.