|
 
SOMERSET COUNTY CERT COURSE
Press Release
CERT is an all-hazard, all-risk
training program designed to teach you how to protect yourself, your family,
your neighbors and community during a disaster situation. CERT training promotes
a partnering effort between emergency services and the people in the communities
they serve.
|
Where |
Somerset County
Emergency Services Training Academy – 402 Roycefield Rd. – Hillsborough |
|
When |
May 8, 10, 15, 17,
22, 24 (7pm-10pm) & May 12 and 26 (9pm-3pm) |
|
Cost |
Free to any citizen
of Somerset County (Max: 80 Students) |
|
For further
information about joining the team and signing up for the County course,
please contact Officer Joseph Casorio at (908) 753-1000 x 414 of the
Warren Township Police Department, or email him at
jcasorio@warrenpolice.com . Applications for joining the
team are available at Police Headquarters. |
|
Students
must complete all modules to receive a certificate of completion.
Registration form
here |
|
NJ Register Ready
now available in Warren Township
This registration Web site allows
residents with special needs and their families, friends and associates an
opportunity to provide information to emergency response agencies, so emergency
responders can better plan to serve them in a disaster or other emergency.
www.registerready.nj.gov
|
Details
here.
Sign up additional reach numbers click
 |
|
Be Prepared For Emergencies |
|
|
 |
Welcome to the Warren Township Office of Emergency Management web page.
Every day Warren residents wake up, go to work, or school and partake in
other every-day activities. However, every so often, the unexpected can happen ...
a fire, a chemical spill on Route 78, or one of the main arteries through town,
a tornado touches down, or a winter storm deprives the township of electricity.
Routines change drastically, and people become aware of how fragile their lives
can be.
|
|
Disasters make national headlines and could, and has
happened here in Warren.
Several
years ago, a winter storm dropped ice laden power lines on the west side
of the township making it impossible to heat homes. Water lines froze and burst
causing property damage. Many people had to seek warm places to stay. It was many
days before power was able to be restored.
On July 18, 1997,
several tornados touched down in Warren County, NJ, toppling hundreds of trees,
causing damage to homes and property, and disabling the power grid for most of the
county. It was several days before power was restored.
The Warren Township Office of Emergency Management is here to help
township residents to be prepared for any eventual disaster and to coordinate
emergency response personnel in such an event.
MISSION
STATEMENT
To lessen the effects of disaster on the lives and property of the residents of Warren
Township through leadership, coordination and support in the four phases of
emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
|
|
HURRICANES
In the United States, more than 73 million people live within 50 miles of a
hurricane-prone coast. Warren is one of the many townships considered within
one of these coastal areas.
Hurricanes, also known as typhoons, are severe tropical storms with heavy rains and
intense winds which blow in a large circle around a central "eye". If the eye, or
storm center, passes directly overhead, there will be a lull in the wind lasting
from a few minutes to half an hour. At the other side of the eye, the winds will
return rapidly to hurricane force and blow from the opposite direction.
Hurricane winds can reach well over 100 miles per hour, can produce tornadoes
and cause severe flash flooding. Every Atlantic state, including New Jersey, is annually
threatened by these fierce storms.
Hurricane season extends from the beginning of June through November.
|
|
TORNADOES
Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms and in seconds, can leave an area
devastated. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, striking the
ground with whirling winds which could approach 300 miles per hour. A tornado
spins like a top and many sound like an airplane or train. Although tornadoes
normally travel up to 10 miles before they subside, 200-mile "tornado tracks"
have been reported. Tornadoes can strike at any time of year and often accompany
hurricanes. They occur most frequently during April, May and June.
Terms:
A "Tornado Watch" means tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, or both, are possible.
Stay tuned to radio and television reports in your area.
A "Tornado Warning" means you should take shelter immediately. A tornado has
been sighted.
|
|
WINTER STORMS and EXTREME COLD
Snowfall may seem romantic, but it can be dangerous. Heavy snowfall and
extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas which normally
experience mild winters can be hit with a major snow storm or extreme cold.
The results can range from isolation due to power outages and blocked roads to
the havoc of cars trying to maneuver on ice-covered highways. Whatever the case,
winter storms usually involve human suffering. You should protect yourself and
your family from the many hazards of winter weather – blizzards, heavy snow,
freezing rain and sleet.
|
|
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Hazardous materials are substances or materials which, because of their chemical,
physical or biological nature, pose a potential risk to life, health or property if
they are released. Potential hazards can occur during any stage of hazardous
materials use: production, transportation, use and disposal.
From industrial chemicals and toxic waste to household detergents and air fresheners,
hazardous materials are part of our everyday lives. Affecting urban, suburban and
rural areas, hazardous materials incidents can range from a chemical spill on
Route 78 to groundwater contamination of our wells by natural occurring methane gas.
Production and storage does not occur only in chemical plants: Your local service
station’s supply of gasoline or diesel fuel can be hazardous, and hospitals
regularly store radioactive and flammable materials as well as other hazardous
substances used in medical treatments.
Legislative provisions enable local-level planners to work with industry to
identify and reduce risks from toxic chemicals and, if necessary, seek corrective
action. Individuals also have the opportunity to identify and alter potentially
hazardous conditions in our community.
|
|
FIRES
Fire safety practices save lives. Every year 6,000 Americans die in fires, and
more than 100,000 people are injured. Most fire deaths occur in the home, and
many could have been prevented. As smoke detectors and other fire prevention steps
have become more common in recent years, the deaths and injuries from fires have
decreased significantly
To understand the importance of fire prevention, be aware of the basic
characteristics of fire. Fire spreads quickly, and you have no time to grab
valuables or make a phone call. In two minutes a room can become life-threatening.
In five minutes your house can be engulfed in flames. A fire’s heat and smoke are
more dangerous than the flames – inhaling the super hot air can sear your lungs.
Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of
being awakened by a fire, you may fall into a deeper sleep.
Since 1900, more Americans have died in fires than have been killed in all
of the wars during the same period.
Residential fires are the leading cause of accidental death for children under the
age of five.
- Fire safety and how to prevent
fires.
|
|
FLOODS
and OTHER DISASTERS
Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural hazards. Some floods
develop over a period of days, but flash floods can result in raging waters in just
a few minutes. Water runs off steeper ground very rapidly, causing natural drainage
systems to overflow with rushing flood waters and a deadly cargo of rocks, mud,
smashed trees and other debris. Mudslides are also a danger created by flood conditions.
Remember - even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry stream beds or
low-lying ground that may appear harmless in dry weather can flood.
Nationally, floods claim an average of 263 lives each year. Flood waters only one
foot deep can sweep you off your feet. Be aware of potential flooding hazards. If
you are in a low-lying area, or near water, you should prepare for floods.
What to do during a
flood.
|
|
EARTHQUAKE
What to Do Before an Earthquake
- Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying
potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers
of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster
cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to
the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help
reduce the impact of earthquakes.
What to Do During an Earthquake - Stay as safe as possible during
an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a
larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a
nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has
stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
What to Do After
an Earthquake -
Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually
less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional
damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks,
or even months after the quake. Listen to a battery-operated radio or
television. Listen for the latest emergency information.
FEMA -
Earthquake information.
|
|