Superstorm Sandy and its associated 2 weeks of power outage in Manalapan brought home the need to have a trained and ready corps of volunteers to assist the community through an emergency and its recovery.  A key element of the Township emergency response during the storm and recovery was the Manalapan MRC-CERT team.

This team filled several roles including assisting with staffing at the emergency shelter and the Township emergency communication system, staffing the 24 hours storm information line, helping to feed the emergency response system and supporting the resident services of ice distribution and cell phone charging.  

The Manalapan Township MRC-CERT will be presenting the 20 hour FEMA endorsed CERT training on Monday or Wednesday evenings starting on January 9, 2013 and culminating on or about April 3rd. The January 9th session will be held at the Manalapan Senior Center at 211 Route 522 (Freehold Road) starting at 7:30 pm. The following sessions will be held in a few different Manalapan locations all starting at 7:30 pm.

The training is free and prepares the participants to respond to emergencies and to work within the emergency management structure. Some of the topics covered include first aid, fire safety, preparedness and response to storms and natural disasters, terrorism and search & rescue. Pre-registration is not required but requested.  

For more information or to register please contact the Manalapan Health Department at 732-446-8345 or health@mtnj.org. General information about CERT on a national level can be found at www.citizencorps.gov/cert.  

For information on a local level please contact the Health Department or www.mtn.org/index.php/committees/manalapan_mrc_cert.

For more information on all programs sponsored by Manalapan Township please access the Township’s website at www.mtnj.org.

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