Quick Reference
Director/OEM Coordinator: Robert M. Krohn
oem@boroughofsouthtomsriver.com
Deputy OEM Coordinator: Michael D. Parks
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:
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.
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.
The Borough of South Toms River CERT is utilized to:
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:
EVACUATION
Evacuate immediately if told to do so:
If you’re sure you have time:
Check for damage in your home:
Remember to…
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
Share this: