PR Citizen Corps Recruits

The Freeholders endorsed an initiative by the Burlington County Office of Emergency Management to recruit volunteers for the Burlington County Citizen Corps groups.

Representatives of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), County Animal Response Team (CART), Neighborhood Watch Groups (NWG) and Medical Reserve Corps are scheduled to engage in a recruitment incentive for those volunteer organizations on Saturday and Sunday, April 19th and 20th from noon-6 p.m. at the Burlington Center in Burlington Township and Saturday, April 26th from noon-6 p.m. at the Moorestown Mall.

“The initial formation of these support groups was very successful,’’ Freeholder James K. Wujcik said. “However, it is important to realize that the more residents who have basic training in any or all of these areas could mean the difference between life and death during a major emergency event.’’

There are 11 CERT groups with 402 trained volunteers currently in the county – Willingboro, Tri-Boro (Palmyra, Cinnaminson and Riverton), Pinelands Regional (Tabernacle and Shamong), Pemberton Township, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Medford, Evesham, Burlington County College and County Central (in and around county facilities in Mount Holly and Westampton). An additional 41 members of the Moorestown School District are currently receiving CERT training.

CERT is a method for the public to learn how to prepare for, react to, and recover from a disaster, small or large, within the home or work community.

Training topics include preparedness, using team checklists, fire chemistry, small fire extinguishment, hazardous materials, electrical hazards, natural gas hazards, disaster medical operations, injuries and treatment, public health considerations, emergency management operations and disaster psychology.

Volunteers are required to complete 20 hours of training, which is provided free. Additional training will be provided on a quarterly basis.

CART members must be CERT trained, and then receive additional training in preparation, rescue and recovery of pets and livestock during a disaster.

The MRC is a group that includes volunteers with medical backgrounds that would support emergency responders during a disaster, such as distribution of medications in case of a pandemic, as well as general members to provide clerical assistance.

Equipment and representatives will be available at the Burlington Center and Moorestown Mall during the recruitment to provide details.

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Author: Press Release-Burlington County