The township wants as many residents as possible to become members of its second Community Emergency Response Team.
By Bill Greenwood, Staff Writer
Cranbury Patrol Officer Paul Lindenfeld, who coordinates the program with Patrol Officer Ryan Dworzanski, said he has received between 20 and 30 applications so far. However, he said applications still are being accepted, and he would like to see more people sign up.
”We don’t want to turn anybody down,” Officer Lindenfeld said. “We want anyone who’s interested. We want to provide the training for them.”
CERT, which was formed by the Los Angeles Fire Department in 1985, is a national program that teaches residents how to fend for themselves and help others in the event of a catastrophic emergency. Cranbury residents who participate will learn disaster preparedness, basic first aid, CPR, basic fire suppression, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, traffic safety and how to deal with an act of terrorism, Officer Lindenfeld said.
Last year, classes were held one night a week from 6:30 to 9 p.m. However, no time or start date for this year’s classes has been set.
Volunteers must attend 20 hours worth of classes over an eight-week period. They also must put what they have learned to the test in a simulated emergency.
During last year’s “final scenario,” volunteers were told that a truck had crashed into electrical poles and blocked the entrance to School House Lane, blowing out electricity and heat at Cranbury School in 18-degree weather. The group had to work together, simulating ways to handle the situation and evacuate Cranbury School students and faculty.
This year’s emergency scenario has not been determined yet, Officer Lindenfeld said.
”We’re still planning that along with the class,” he said. “We like to keep that a surprise.”
After graduation, CERT volunteers are called to assist the Cranbury police during emergencies, Officer Lindenfeld said. He said the first team, which graduated in November 2006, was called upon to direct traffic at roadblocks during flooding that occurred in the spring.
Officer Lindenfeld said Cranbury residents should enroll in the free class, because a terrorist attack on New York City could shut down transportation there and require Cranbury to shelter children whose parents are stuck in the city. He said he hoped the six-year anniversary of 9/11, which occurred Tuesday, would encourage residents to apply.
”You know how you felt that day, and you wanted to be a part of something, and you wanted to help,” Officer Lindenfeld said. “Well, this is that opportunity.”
Residents who are at least 18 years old can register for the program by calling the Cranbury Township Police Department at (609) 395-0031 or picking up an application at the police station on Logan Drive. Applicants will be asked for their name, telephone number and the course hours that would work best for them.