MANALAPAN — In 2011, there was Tropical Storm Irene. Then in 2012, there was superstorm Sandy and its associated two weeks of power outages in Manalapan.
According to a press release from the township, these two storms brought home the need to have a trained and ready corps of volunteers to assist the community through an emergency and its recovery.
A key element of the township emergency response during the storm and recovery was the Manalapan MRC-CERT team, according to the press release.
The team members filled several roles, including assisting with staffing at the emergency shelter and the township emergency communication system, staffing the 24-hour storm information line, helping to feed the emergency responders, and supporting the resident services of ice distribution and cellphone charging.
The Manalapan MRC-CERT will present the 20-hour FEMA-endorsed CERT training with additional classes on CPR and incident command on 12 weekday evenings starting Jan. 9 and culminating on or about March 27.
The Jan. 9 session — and most of the classes — will be held in Manalapan Town Hall starting at 7 p.m. The training is free and prepares participants to respond to emergencies and to work within the emergency management structure.
Some of the topics to be covered include first aid, fire safety, preparedness and response to storms and natural disasters, terrorism and search and rescue. Preregistration is not required, but requested.
For more information or to register, contact the Manalapan Health Department at 732-446-8345.