Community Emergency Response Team In an emergency, whether resulting from a natural disaster, crime, terrorist related act, or an emergency of any kind, local government resources will be the first responders and the first line of defense. Following a major disaster, first responders who provide emergency services won't be able to meet the demands placed upon them. Factors like the number of victims, communication failures and roadblocks may prevent people from accessing the type of services they've come to expect at a moments notice through 911. People will have to rely on each other for help to meet their immediate needs until professional emergency responders can reach them. The Mahwah Community Emergency Response Team is a program that provides residents with basic training on what to do before, during and after a disaster. Most importantly, the training aids the participant in protecting themselves and their families during emergency situations. Trained CERT members may also participate in helping their community through organized or county level emergency management. There is no cost to participate in the courses which are held periodically at the Bergen Law and Public Safety Institute in Mahwah. At the completion of the program, basic CERT safety equipment is issued to each successful participant. Class size is limited so immediate registration is encouraged when classes are announced. For more information, Mahwah residents should visit the website at www.mahwahcert.org, or contact Allan Becker, CERT Coordinator at (201) 960-1932.