Mahwah CERT team
The CERT program provides residents with basic training in what to do before, during and after a disaster. Most importantly, the training aids the participant in protecting themselves and their families during emergency situations.
Trained CERT members may also participate in helping their community through organized municipal or county level emergency management.
In an emergency, whether resulting from a natural disaster, crime, terrorist related act, or an emergency of any kind, local government resources will be the first responders and the first line of defense. However following a major disaster, these first responders may not be able to meet all the demands placed upon them.
Factors such as large numbers of victims, communication failures and blocked roads may prevent people from quickly accessing the services they’ve come to expect during normal times by dialing 911. People will have to rely on each other for help to meet their immediate needs until professional emergency responders can reach them.
CERT volunteers learn basic disaster survival and rescue skills and can bridge the gap before “first responders” arrive on the scene.
There is no cost to participate in the course which is held periodically at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute in Mahwah. At the completion of the program, basic CERT safety equipment will be issued to each successful participant.
Class size is limited so immediate registration is encouraged after classes are announced.
