A comprehensive emergency management program is a partnership between Federal, State and Local government, business, and the local community. It's purpose is to save lives and protect property by developing programs and emergency operational procedures that mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from any emergency or disaster that might strike.

Watchung is located in Somerset County New Jersey. Estimates from the 2020 Census place Watchung’s population at approximately 6,428. The town is 6.2 square miles. Watchung is bounded by two major highways. Interstate 78 and US RT 22. Watchung also has a major gas transmission line running North / South from RT 22 to RT 78. Watchung OEM is the primary disaster response agency and as such are responsible for the creation and installation of the disaster preparedness program.

On June 27, 2013 under the recommendation of the Mayor and Council, the Borough of Watchung implemented a CERT Program in response to an After Action Review as a Result of Superstorm Sandy.  

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities.  When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site.  CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.  CERT is a nationwide initiative.  

The CERT training consists of 20 hours of instruction.  The course includes the following:  Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Fire Suppression, Disaster Medical Operations, Light Search and Rescue Operations, Disaster Psychology & Team Organization, Terrorism and a Final Exercise.

CERT training will teach participants to:
Describe the types of hazards most likely to affect their homes and communities.
Describe the function of CERT and their roles in immediate response.
Take steps to prepare themselves for disaster.
Identify and reduce potential fire hazards in their homes and workplaces.
Work as a team to apply basic fire suppression strategies, resources, and safety measures to extinguish a burning liquid.
Apply techniques for opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating shock.
Conduct triage under simulated conditions.
Select and set up a treatment area.
Perform head-to-toe assessments.
Employ basic treatments for various wounds.
Identify planning and size-up requirements for potential search and rescue situations.
Describe the most common techniques for searching a structure.
Use safe techniques for debris removal and victim extrication.
Describe ways to protect rescuers during search and rescue.

Anyone interested in joining the Watchung CERT program can contact [email protected]

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