Politics & Government

Red Cross Shelter Training Set For Residents

Additional disaster preparedness action being taken in Washington Township.

In the five months since Super Storm Sandy blew through Washington Township, efforts to better communications and prepare for future disasters have been a focus of municipal leadership.

Another step is now being taken–one that may change the ability for locals to remain safe, warm and fed during times of crises–in April and all residents are invited to take part.

On Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Red Cross will conduct a Shelter Fundamentals training course that introduces guidelines and procedures for setting up, running and closing a shelter during a disaster, according to Bruce Clark of the Washington Township Office of Emergency Management.

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Class participants will utilize best practices shelter checklists to work through a real-life case study that addresses the key phases of the Sheltering Cycle, from opening to organizing, operating and closing, Clark said.

In early March, the Red Cross and AmeriCorps conducted site surveys of six local school and church building to assess their readiness to function as overnight shelters during disaster events, Clark said.

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Municipal leaders, CERT members, and Emergency Management teams of all adjoining townships (Chesters and Mendhams) have all been invited to attend the Red Cross training, and Long Valley residents are invited to participate as well.

The training will take place at the Washington Township Municipal Building on April 13. For those interested in attending, contact Bruce Clark at bruce.clark@atmorris-oem.org, or by phone at 862-812-7668.


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