At the Feb. 9 meeting, the North Whitehall Township Board of Supervisors recognized members of the township’s Emergency Management Agency who recently completed Community Emergency Response Team training.

Emergency Management Director Don Jacobs was scheduled to speak but was called away on a fire investigation.

In his place, Lehigh County Emergency Management Agency Director Tanya Hook addressed the board.

Hook announced 10 North Whitehall EMA members have either completed or are in the process of completing the nationally recognized CERT program.

Developed following the 1985 Los Angeles fires and established as a national program in 1993, CERT has been active in Lehigh County since 2005.

The 16-hour training program prepares volunteers to assist during large-scale emergencies and disasters.

Participants receive instruction in disaster preparedness, fire suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, animal response and terrorism awareness.

In addition, the township volunteers are completing National Incident Management System training and specialized shelter management courses.

North Whitehall Township EMA volunteers support public safety by assisting with the full cycle of emergency and disaster management – preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation.

Their training includes warming and cooling station operations, shelter management, damage assessment and emergency communications systems.

In an emergency response role, volunteers are prepared to assist with evacuations, secure hazard scenes and provide damage assessment reports.

They are trained in logistics and support functions, including managing evacuation centers, distributing food and water and supporting communication systems.

The team will also play an active role in preparedness and community outreach, helping educate residents, participating in training exercises and conducting shelter-in-place and other emergency drills.

Many of the volunteers began their service by completing Lehigh County CERT training and joining that team as well.

They are also completing federal Incident Command System training, shelter operations coursework and National Weather Service storm spotter training.

While the training and commitment are significant, township officials noted the requirements are less intensive than those for emergency medical services, fire or rescue volunteers.

The EMA program provides an opportunity for residents to serve the community without the mandatory weekly training and meeting schedules associated with other emergency services.

The North Whitehall Township EMA volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds, including business managers, truck drivers, technology and finance professionals, ham radio operators and medical professionals.

Several are retirees who are able to activate on short notice.

Together, they represent a dedicated, longer-term response component for emergencies and disasters that may affect North Whitehall Township.

Township officials noted CERT members can assist both locally and throughout the county during major incidents, providing support in the field and at emergency operations centers.

Supervisors thanked the volunteers for their commitment to serving the community and the team was recognized with a round of applause and a photo at the conclusion of the presentation.