Emergencies and disasters will happen. It's just a matter of time. Are you ready? 

Citizens have come to expect that when they report an emergency, help will arrive immediately. In the event of a major disaster, Morristown's first responders will be overwhelmed with the number of individual emergencies. Not only will they need to respond to emergencies associated with the disaster, but they will also need to continue responding to their regular emergency calls. When emergency dispatchers receive a call, they prioritize it based on the level of immediate threat to life and property. It's important that citizens know how to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours, or until help does arrive.

Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) is a free course that provides citizens with basic training in disaster preparedness and response. Through classroom learning and hands-on training people will learn how to help themselves, their families and their neighbors during and immediately following a disaster. The course does not offer certification in CPR or first aid.

Topics covered include:

• Disaster Preparedness
• Disaster Medical Assistance
• Fire Safety
• Light Search and Rescue
• Life Safety
• Terrorism
• Disaster Psychology
• CERT Organization

If you would like to become involved in your community as a vital member of our Community Emergency Response Team, please contact the Morristown Office of Emergency Management at 973-292-6610 or email Robert Flanagan, Fire Chief and the OEM Coordinator at r-flanagan@townofmorristown.org.