FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 24, 2010
Trailer puts focus on emergency preparations
County reminds residents to get ready
for storm season
FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County’s latest acquisition from the state Office of Emergency Management – a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trailer with emergency gear – was unveiled today at the Hall of Records, 1 East Main St.
“This specialized utility trailer is for the county and local emergency teams to increase their ability to respond during a crisis as well as to assist first responders in the field,” said Freeholder John P. Curley, liaison to the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management (OEM). “Our county staff and first responders will provide much-needed emergency assistance and service to residents as they maximize the utility trailer and its equipment.”
After accepting the trailer donation from the state, the county’s OEM and Buildings & Grounds crews worked to customize the trailer to fit all the equipment necessary to make the trailer a mobile command post and triage center. The trailer is equipped with items such as emergency lights, stretchers, rescue devices and medical supplies.
“Monmouth County stands tall as being one of the most prepared and the most successful county’s in the state to have developed its CERT and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) with the resources to support them,” said Howard Butt of the New Jersey State Police, Office of Emergency Management, Citizen Corps. “We are pleased to continue and to support the partnership, teamwork and cooperation of Monmouth County’s emergency preparedness efforts.”
The trailer is the seventh CERT trailer provided to the county by the state. The other trailers have been assigned to municipalities, but this one will remain in the inventory of emergency resources of the county’s OEM. The other trailers are shared and used by 23 CERT teams throughout the county.
As of May 2010, the state Office of Emergency Management has deployed 82 CERT utility trailers throughout the state. Additionally, New Jersey has the nation’s largest CERT program with 15,000 volunteers.
“As we enter into hurricane season, this trailer serves as a great reminder to residents to start their own storm preparations,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said. “Our Office of Emergency Management is actively promoting a three step process to help residents prepare.”
“Following some basics steps and getting prepared now means you will be ready for virtually any big weather event or other disaster that may affect Monmouth County,” said Glenn Mason, the county’s OEM coordinator. “Everyone should follow Steps One, Two and Three.”
Step One - Assemble a Kit of Emergency Supplies – Batteries, flashlight, radio, first-aid kit, medications, food and water to last three or more days, can opener, cooking tools, toiletries.
Step Two - Create an Emergency Plan – Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan a way to contact one another, such as enlisting the help of a third party in another state as a contact, and review what you will do in different situations.
Step Three – Stay Informed - Listen to local radio and television for the latest information on storms and other emergencies. Review what warning sirens are used in your community to alert residents of major emergencies.
“Preparing for the worst makes dealing with a disaster much easier,” Freeholder John D’Amico said. “The preparations that residents make now will increase the likelihood that they and their family will survive a weather emergency.”
Mason recommends that residents also consider two additional steps. “Steps Four and Five will help bring your readiness to the next level and are well worth the effort,” Mason said.
Step Four – Financial Preparedness – Consider your insurance and financial needs in the event of a disaster. Also, take time to prepare a household inventory. If an evacuation is necessary, be sure to have cash or credit cards at your disposal.
Step Five – Consider joining the Citizen Corps – Join others in you community who are ready to provide critical support to first responders and to fellow residents during emergencies.
“Undergoing Citizen Corps training is a great way to feel empowered in the event of any emergency,” Freeholder Amy A. Mallet said. “By becoming a CERT or MRC volunteer you can make a difference.”
“We have a well-established volunteer corps and have become a model for the state,” Freeholder Robert D. Clifton said. “The Medical Reserve Corps and the CERT program enhances the county’s ability to coordinate in cases of emergencies.”
Additional information about storm and disaster preparations are available on the county’s Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.
The county OEM works closely with federal, state and local partners to prepare for virtually all hazards, natural or manmade, that could affect New Jersey’s families, communities and businesses.
The CERT Program is a national effort to educate people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT members assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
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