West Essex Emergency Team Wants You

When Hurricane Irene in Fairfield last August, hundreds of volunteers jumped into action.

Among them were members of the West Essex C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team). The trained volunteers helped evacuate residents, staffed a shelter and assisted with distributing clean water and other needs.

C.E.R.T. is currently seeking new members to join the team.

“The purpose of C.E.R.T. is to train citizens in emergency preparedness,” explained West Essex C.E.R.T. Administrator Kevin Hersh. “They can then take care of their homes first, than assist their town when called upon.”

Residents of Essex County who are 18 and older can take a C.E.R.T. training course in October offered by the Essex County College Police Academy Staff and the Essex County Office of Emergency Management.

Dates are Oct. 9, 11, 16, 18 and 20. The training will be conducted on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for two consecutive weeks, culminating in a disaster drill on Saturday morning.

The course is free to residents of Essex County, $75 to residents of other counties.

“There are nine modules to the course that include cribbing, chemical, triage and fire. It is really an engaging course and I encourage everyone to take it,” said Hersh.

The class is limited to 60 students so early registration is recommended.

To register, download the PDF application above.