What is a CERT?
In 1985, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) developed and implemented
the CERT concept. The training program initiated by the LAFD furthered the
process of citizens understanding their responsibility in preparing for
disaster. It also increased their ability to safely help themselves, their
family, and their neighbors. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
recognized the importance of preparing citizens and began promoting the
nationwide use of the CERT concept in 1994. As of January 2004, 50 states, three
territories, and six foreign countries are using the CERT program. During a
large-scale disaster, the response of any community’s emergency services may
be delayed or overwhelmed for a variety of reasons. This leaves the citizens of
the community-family, neighbors, and coworkers—to provide for their own
well-being and safety until professional responders arrive. This very reality is
the cornerstone of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.
CERT is a community based volunteer effort and is a
component of the Citizen Corps program. The CERT program is about readiness,
people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the
greatest number.
Who is the Fanwood CERT?
During the catastrophic events of September 11, 2001, thousands of residents in
NYC and workers who live in and around the city (including Fanwood) learned
firsthand how a disaster could overwhelm even the largest and best-trained pool
of emergency personnel. A group of Fanwood residents realized the essential need
for a trained emergency response team to supplement the first responders and
assist our Police, Fire and EMS departments, as part of Fanwood's Office of
Emergency Management (OEM). in 2004 we started the FEMA CERT training, and in
February, 2005 we were officially recognized by the Mayor and Borough Council by
council resolution 05-02-34.
What does the Fanwood CERT do?
Through instructive and hands-on sessions, the volunteers receive training in
life saving skills with emphasis on decision making, rescuer safety, and doing
the greatest good for the greatest number. The Fanwood CERT is an organized team
that is available to assist first responder services.
Why Should I get Involved?
The CERT training program benefits any person who participates. Citizens are
better prepared to respond to and cope with the aftermath of a disaster or
emergency.
The ultimate benefit of expanding the Fanwood CERT will
be to further the process of residents understanding their responsibility in
preparing for an emergency, and increasing their ability to safely help
themselves, their family, co-workers, and neighbors in the event of an
emergency.
Your time investment in the Fanwood CERT is an investment in your own
safety, and the safety of your community.
Click here to learn more about the CERT
Training Program
Seeking Donations
Obtaining additional support and resources will enable the Fanwood CERT to:
• Train additional trainers that can, in turn, train new volunteers in life
saving skills.
• Provide existing CERT volunteers with continuing, specialized training.
• Prepare sufficiently sized teams to respond to any emergency in the
community and offer immediate help to victims when first responders cannot reach
the area.
• Establish an Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
As a potential donor, you can help the Fanwood CERT sustain operations and
expand to further the process of residents understanding their responsibility in
preparing for an emergency, and increasing their ability to safely help
themselves, their family, co-workers, and neighbors in the event of an
emergency.
Click
here to learn how to donate
What are the Next Steps?
Our commitment, contribution, and sacrifice for the good of the community
need support and you can help the Fanwood CERT make a difference. We encourage
you to give your support, whether it is financial or an in-kind donation.
Everything helps and we sincerely appreciate your support.
Remember...you can make a difference by using your
training to save lives and protect Fanwood.
