City Seeks Volunteers for Emergency Response Team

The City of Ocean City is hosting free training classes for citizens to become certified members of the city’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Classes run for five weeks on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Ocean City Community Center, beginning October 3rd and ending November 4th 2013.

 “The devastation that occurred as a result of super storm Sandy is a compelling reminder of the vital role our trained CERT members play in Ocean City,” states Scott Morgan, Ocean City’s Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator. “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.”

This is the ninth 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 of age or older and reside in Ocean City. 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, please visitwww.ocnj.us/oem and click on the Ocean City CERT Registration button. Residents can also contact Deputy Coordinator Scott Morgan at smorgan@ocnj.us. For more information on the CERT program visit www.citizencorps.gov/cert.

— News release from the City of Ocean City