Somerset County residents can learn how to react when disasters strike by attending Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training hosted by the Somerset County Office of Emergency Management, starting Tuesday, Oct. 13. Seating is limited to the first 30 residents. Registration forms are due by Friday, Oct. 9.
Classes will be held at the Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy, located at 402 Roycefield Road in Hillsborough, Oct. 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29 from 7 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays, Oct. 24 and 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The CERT program is free for Somerset County residents. Students who complete all modules will receive a certificate of completion.
“Protecting yourself and your family during an emergency requires planning. Just as emergency personnel train and prepare in advance for disaster, residents also can take training classes,” Freeholder Peter Palmer said.
CERT training is intended to give people decision-making, organizational and practical skills necessary to offer immediate assistance to family members, neighbors and associates while waiting for help. Participants learn about disaster preparedness and receive training in basic disaster-response skills such as disaster-medical operations, fire safety and light search and rescue.
Since the program’s inception in 2012, more than 405 Somerset County residents have been trained and are ready, willing and able to assist family and friends in their communities, said Mr. Palmer.
For information about the CERT training or to receive a registration form, contact county CERT Coordinator Tony DeMatteo at (908) 725-5070 or dematteo@co.somerset.nj.us. A registration form and course schedule are available at www.co.somerset.nj.us/division/emergencyman.html.
