Newly trained members of Lower Township Certified Response Team (CERT) got their first test by logging 211 hours of community services during Super Storm Sandy.
CERT volunteers answered phones at the Lower Township Office of Emergency Management office on both Saturday and Sunday before the storm, answering calls. Most residents inquired about the mandatory evacuation and human/pet sheltering.
On Sunday, CERT had the daunting task of assembling a pet shelter. Once the shelter was together, various size cubicles had to be put together as well. “There were not enough large cages for the dogs over 30lbs.” CERT is asking for the public to donate crates for dogs, especially those fitting animals over 30lbs. Lower Township Animal Control also assisted. CERT disassembled the pet shelter after the storm.
On Sunday, CERT team leader Linda Bowker attended the OEM incident command briefings and CERT set up cots and prepared shelters along with Villas Fire Department and Town Bank Fire Department members.
Monday brought high winds, rain, and flooding, while CERT assisted first responders in sheltering those persons displaced by the conditions by transporting individuals in need, or providing care and comfort.
CERT would personally like to thank Penny Becica Kraus, Cathy Bethem, and Barbara Duffy for the nursing care they provided to persons at the Villas Fire House shelter. We also want to thank the first responders, including Villas Fire Department, Town Bank Fire Department, Lower Township Public Works, the Lower Township Police Department and the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department for the outstanding job they did during this storm. Together we do make a difference.
CERT is recruiting new members. You must be 18 and a Lower Township citizen to join our CERT. No professional experience is necessary, just a willingness to help your community. CERT members are expected to attend trainings as they are offered. Most are free and held locally. Meetings are once a month at the OEM office located within the Lower Township Police Department at the Cape May County Airport on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. For information about CERT go to: www.lowertownshipcert.org
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
