Emergency Management

Director/OEM Coordinator: Robert M. Krohn

oem@boroughofsouthtomsriver.com

Deputy OEM Coordinator: Michael D. Parks

michael.parks@strfas.org

Deputy OEM Coordinator: Lt. Anthony Giacenti (STRPD)

a.giacenti@boroughofsouthtomsriver.com

Phone: 732-349-0403 x133

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is responsible for coordinating activities within the Borough of South Toms River during potential or actual emergencies and/or disasters. The Emergency Management Director works in collaboration with the Emergency Management Committee (EMC) appointed by the Mayor, which includes representatives from the South Toms River Police Department, Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company, South Toms River EMS, Borough Administrator's Office, and Public Works, as well as other community-based stakeholders and subject matter experts. In the event of a declared state of emergency, the EMC operates the Borough’s Emergency Operations Center, assuring emergency response, community safety, and hazard mitigation.

Under New Jersey State Law, every municipality must have an Emergency Management Committee appointed annually. This committee is responsible for assuring that a comprehensive plan is in place to respond to, and mitigate, the various types of natural disasters that may occur.

The South Toms River OEM will ensure, through coordination and collaboration with county and local stakeholders, that the borough is:

• Properly prepared for all-natural and man-made emergencies and disasters that threaten our community
• Providing education to our residents and businesses on how to properly prepare for emergencies and disasters
• Providing leadership and support to reduce the loss of life and property through an all-hazards emergency management program of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Mission Statement

The Borough of South Toms River Office of Emergency Management's (OEM) mission is to reduce loss of life and property to protect the environment from all hazards (man-made and natural) and acts of terrorism, that occur within or may affect, the Borough of South Toms River. This is accomplished through collaboration to build, sustain, and improve our capabilities to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate hazards, by providing and coordinating resources, expertise, leadership, and advocacy through a comprehensive, all-hazards, risk-based emergency preparedness program.

When OEM becomes involved in an incident, it is because the scope and scale of the incident necessitate assistance beyond local resources. During these events, officials from the Borough and County (and possibly state and Federal) are also involved along with nongovernmental organizations (NG0s), elements of the private sector.

This mission is achieved through the coordination and cooperation of various Borough Departments, Volunteer Units, regional partners, and other organizations that would have a role in any major emergency, ensuring that the efforts of all players are coordinated and synchronized to achieve the best results is the job of incident management.

About the CERT Program

CERT - THEN AND NOW

The CERT concept dates back to 1985 when the Los Angeles Fire Department recognized that in the early stages of disaster - earthquakes in particular - local emergency responders would be overwhelmed, and basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills would improve the ability of community members to survive until responders or other assistance arrived. Recognizing the universal value of this program, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) worked in conjunction with the LAFD to make the CERT program applicable to all types of hazards and developed a CERT training program that could be used nationwide and adapted to meet local conditions when the need arose.

The tragic events of September 11 remind us that disaster can strike anywhere or anytime and that basic safety and disaster survival skills can mean the difference between life and death. CERT training empowers community members to prepare responsibly and respond appropriately when emergencies occur.

WHAT CERT TEAMS DO

CERT members give critical support to first responders in emergencies, provide immediate assistance to victims, organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site, and collect disaster intelligence to support first responders.

During the 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush asked Americans to volunteer their services to improve and safeguard their country. Harnessing the spirit of cooperation that developed as a result of the tragic events of September 11th, he created the Citizen Corps Program to organize volunteer services in the areas of crime, natural disasters, and terrorism. The Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, is a part of the Citizen Corps Program.

ABOUT CERT TRAINING

The CERT training consists of 20 hours of instruction over 8 weeks. Classes are taught by emergency responders including firefighters, emergency medical, and law enforcement personnel from your community.

The course includes the following:

Session 1 - Disaster Preparedness

Introduction to disasters specific to the community and the impact of disasters on infrastructure

Session 2 - Disaster Fire Suppression

Identifying and reducing potential fire hazards and basic fire suppression

Session 3 - Disaster Medical Operations

Treatment strategies for life-threatening conditions and principles of triage

Session 4 - cont. Disaster Medical Operations

Head-to-toe patient assessment and treatment for various injuries

Session 5 - Light Search & Rescue Operations

Techniques for sizing up and searching, lifting, cribbing, and removing victims; rescue safety

Session 6 - Disaster Psychology & Team Organization

The post-disaster emotional environment will be discussed. CERT organization, decision-making, and documentation

Session 7 - Terrorism

A brief overview of terrorism weapons. Identifying targets in an area and discussing time/distance/shielding

Session 8 - Final Exercise

Disaster simulation realistic to your community

Training courses, student materials, and equipment are provided free of charge.

ROLE OF CERTS IN AN EMERGENCY

 The Borough of South Toms River CERT is utilized to:

• Staff our Emergency Operations Center and monitor events.
• Set up and staff temporary shelters during Hurricanes, Blizzards, and other storms.
• Manage "spontaneous/convergent" volunteers.
• Assist with Evacuations.
• Assist South Toms River EMS with EmergencyWorker REHAB and Mass Casualty Response.
• Assist OEM and South Toms River Police with roadway closures for storms.
• Provide Basic First Aid and Rescue when requested.
• Assist the Red Cross and other relief organizations in mass care.
• Work as part of R.AC.E.S-RACES stands for "Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service,"
• Assist with Missing Person Searches. 

How to Join CERT?

 The South Toms River CERT convenes monthly at the South Toms River Municipal Building located at 19 Double Trouble Road, South Toms River, NJ 08757. To become a member, kindly send us an email! oem@boroughofsouthtomsriver.com

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES AND SAFETY TIPS
Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need in an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags or covered trash containers.

Include:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil.
• One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
• A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications.
• Emergency tools include a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
• An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler’s checks.
• Sanitation supplies.
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
• An extra pair of glasses.
• Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller kit in the trunk of your car.

EVACUATION

Evacuate immediately if told to do so:

• Listen to your battery-powered radio and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
• Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Take your family disaster supplies kit
• Lock your home.
• Use travel routes specified by local authorities–don’t use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
• HOME HAZARD HUNT
• During a disaster, ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire is a home hazard. For example, a water heater or a bookshelf can fall. Inspect your home at least once a year and fix potential hazards. Contact your local fire department to learn about home fire hazards.

If you’re sure you have time:

• Shut off water, gas, and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so.
• Post a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
• Make arrangements for your pets

Check for damage in your home:

• Use flashlights–do not light matches or turn on electrical switches, if you suspect damage.
• Check for fires, fire hazards, and other household hazards.
• Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
• Shut off any other damaged utilities.
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, and other flammable liquids immediately.

Remember to…

• Confine or secure your pets.
• Call your family contact–do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
• Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.
• Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is cut off.
• Stay away from downed power lines.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Family Protection Program and the American Red Cross Disaster Education Program are nationwide efforts to help citizens prepare for disasters of all types. For more information, please contact your local emergency management or civil defense office and your local American Red Cross chapter. Start planning now.

Local sponsorship provided by: The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management