Ocean City and Upper Township will host free training classes for citizens to become certified members of the city's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Classes run for 10 weeks from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays at the Ocean City Community Center beginning March 17 and ending May 26.
“The devastation that occurred as a result of Superstorm Sandy is a compelling reminder of the vital role our trained CERT members play in Ocean City,” Ocean City Emergency Management Coordinator Frank Donato said. “The tremendous amount of resources necessary for our response and recovery efforts after this storm should indicate to all of our citizens why this type of training is so important in our community as well as our surrounding communities.”
This is the 10th year that the Office of Emergency Management has offered CERT classes to citizens. The program training includes all aspects of disaster preparation, including Basic Fire Suppression, Light Search and Rescue, Animal Safety, Disaster Psychology and Natural Disaster Preparedness. Class instructors include Jim Eberwine, retired local meteorologist and representatives from Atlantic City Electric, who will train participants in electrical safety during storm events.
Eligible participants must be 18 years or older and reside in Ocean City or Upper Township. Upon completion of the training, participants will have learned basic first aid, become CPR and AED certified and be prepared to assist with emergency response needs for their community, neighbors, family and themselves.
Class size is limited, so citizens are encouraged to register early. To register, visit ocnj.us/oem and click on the
Ocean City Citizen Corps Enrollment button. Residents can also contact Upper Township Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Scott Morgan at
[email protected]. For more information on the CERT program, visit
www.citizencorps.gov/cert.
— News release from the City of Ocean City
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