The Daily Newarker — Press Wire

For Immediate Release

CITY OF NEWARK CERT TEAM TO TAKE PART IN TRI-COUNTY DRILL

AT CODEY ARENA IN WEST ORANGE, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

CERT teams from three counties will practice techniques and hear presentations

on disaster response, fire extinguishing, H1N1 Flu, and bomb awareness

Newark, NJ – September 25, 2009 - Mayor Cory A. Booker and Newark Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Keith Isaac announced today that the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is sending 20 members of its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to take part in an all-day disaster response training session and drill at the Richard Codey Arena, at 560 Northfield Avenue, in West Orange, on Saturday, September 26, 2009.

The 20 Newark CERT members will join CERT members from Essex, Hudson, and Union Counties for a day of presentations, hands-on drills, and demonstrations, which will include one by the Newark Police Emergency Services Unit on cribbing, which is a rescue procedure that involves stacking pieces of timber to stabilize or raise objects, like crashed cars. Other demonstrations will include the Essex County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit on search dogs and bomb awareness, the Essex Health Commission on H1N1 Flu and emergency shelters, and World Cares Center on “interviewing, screening, and processing volunteers.” In addition, PSE&G will demonstrate safety procedures when dealing with fallen wires and cables. The attendees will tour the Essex County CERT Trailer, and also get to practice firefighting skills with fire extinguishers. The exercise is sponsored by the Essex County Office of Emergency Management.

“When natural disasters, fires, or any other tragedy happens we call upon our trained and committed CERT volunteers, who rise as one to manifest our City’s spiritual strength in times of trial. I urge all residents to get involved with this important emergency preparedness program,” said Mayor Booker.

CERT Members are citizens who undergo the state-certified FREE 20-hour course to prepare themselves to respond to disasters both natural and man-made alike. These community volunteers receive basic training in terrorism, fire safety, light search and rescue tactics, team organization, and disaster medical operations. More than 200 Newark residents have completed the classes since they were begun on September 22, 2004.

According to Director Isaac, CERT members provide an invaluable service for the community whether during an emergency or disaster situation or through general every-day services. CERT members can be utilized to assist police with traffic control, aid in the recovery of missing children, to staff emergency operations centers, as well as serve at parades and other major events.

“The tragic events of September 11^th have taught us the importance of being prepared for the unexpected and in these times it is crucial that we tap every available resource. Newark has joined the ranks of first responders across the country by implementing its own CERT program. I applaud the dedicated efforts of the community servants who are volunteering their time and talents to protect and serve their City,” said Director Isaac.

CERT members can also assist with non-emergency projects that improve the safety of the community, such as distributing and/or installing smoke alarms, replacing smoke alarm batteries in the homes of the elderly, or handing out disaster education material.

The Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is recruiting for a new CERT class, to start in October or November. To be considered for this program, a full application must be completed. Applicants for the class must be 18 years old, not have a criminal record, and live or work in the City of Newark. Persons who graduate from the course will receive a full set of emergency equipment to use when responding to disasters. Anyone interested in attending the weekly classes should contact the Office of Emergency Management and Domestic Preparedness at (973) 733-3660 or

braggm@ci.newark.nj.us.

For more information about this or any other City of Newark program, call the Newark Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

-NEWARK-

Contact:        Newark Press Information Office - (973) 733-8004

PressOffice@ci.newark.nj.us

About the City of Newark, New Jersey

Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major rail connections, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.

With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival.  In population, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the northeast. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The production of affordable housing has doubled, businesses are returning and crime is going down. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission:  to set a national standard for urban transformation.

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.ci.newark.nj.us

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