Fanwood's Emergency Response Put to the Test

Fanwood's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) partnered with area Red Cross chapters and other CERT teams on Sunday to put their emergency response skills to the test.

The drill, which was held at Forest Road Park in Fanwood, provided an opportunity for the volunteer responders to practice opening a community shelter after an emergency.

Sponsored by Allstate Insurance the drill was set up as if there were a fire. But according to Nelson Espeland, an Allstate agent in Scotch Plains, the drill could apply to any disaster.

“Hurricanes, floods, terrorists attacks, CERTs play a crucial role in responding to victims,” he said.

The exercise was repeated three times throughout the day, with Fanwood’s team in the 10am to noon slot.

CERT members assisted with the opening and setup of the shelter. They also monitored and tracked the movement of the “victims” to the facility, and then assisted with checking them in and feeding them.

Once “victims” crossed the threshold of the shelter, they became Red Cross “clients.” The Red Cross set up the registration desk and a dormitory part of the shelter, and was responsible for managing disaster health services within the facility.  

American Red Cross chapters are required by New Jersey and local laws to be able to shelter 10 percent of the population in the event of a significant disaster.

“Red Cross and CERT volunteers are key to developing this capability, and must exercise their plans to remain ready,” Espeland said.

Lt. Richard Trigo of the Fanwood Police Department is both the deputy emergency managing coordinator and commanding officer for the local CERT chapter. He helped organize the event.

"Our team is at the forefront of CERT training, above and beyond the federally-mandated 20-hour training program,” Trigo said. “Many Fanwood CERT members have obtained Red Cross Shelter Management training, HAM radio training, and additional emergency medical training.”

Michael Prasad is the founding member of the Fanwood CERT. He is also the director of emergency services for the Tri-County Chapter of the American Red Cross and has extensive disaster training. He earned the USA Freedom Corp's Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award in 2006 and 2007 for his volunteer work with the Fanwood CERT.

Howard Drewes, a former Fanwood police sergeant, is the town’s emergency management director.

This was the first emergency drill to be held in Fanwood. Post-drill meetings will be held this week to discuss how things turned out.