Borough Appoints First CERT Members

The Watchung Borough Council appointed the first group of members to the volunteer Community Emergency Response Team, Thursday.

The CERT members will provide assistance to borough, police and fire personnel during emergencies. Each member has completed training with through the county Office of Emergency Management.

The team was initiated by Borough Councilman Steven Black, who recommended a CERT to help the borough during times when officials need extra help—such as during hurricanes and severe storms. Black said during the power outage that followed Hurricane Sandy last year, CERT members in Warren Township were able to help staff emergency shelters for residents, and provided well-being checks on seniors and disabled residents.