Do you want to know how to take action and help the community during an emergency - whether it's a fire, medical issue or natural disaster?

In February 2013, Matawan and Aberdeen officially combined services with a shared Community Emergency Response Team. CERT is nationwide initiative set in motion after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The program falls under the Office of Emergency management and according to Aberdeen Township's website, members are trained to respond to emergencies and can provide "critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site."

Volunteers do not need any prior emergency training or knowledge, just a dedication to helping others. There are no requirements for physical fitness or abilities, said Caravella, but you must be 18 years or older to participate.

Training to become a member of CERT consists of eight weeks of classes. Volunteers meet once a week for about 2.5 hours and cover a variety of topics such as disastor preparedness, fire safety, disastor medical operations, missing persons and terrorism. Classes have not yet been scheduled but will be announced soon.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or wish to know more, 'like' the Aberdeen Matawan CERT on Facebook or email Caravella at aberdeencert@yahoo.com.