Jim, its called a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). They were called upon (at least in Aberdeen). But like a flashlight, it must be turned on. And with government, that requires a plan at the top for effective utilization. The members cannot self direct and deployed themselves.

I think one of the biggest issues that we need to learn from is that each municipality just does not have the expertise to effectively respond to the immediate needs of the residents who need immediate help. This storm is an example as if we had a County Police Force the County Chief could of pulled the resources from the inland area's which would of had the resources readily available to provide the support we need in times of crisis. I hope Super Storm Sandy opens the eyes of all the residents of both Matawan & Aberdeen to realize that we need to start thinking "Out of Box" and we can just keep adding more resources and increasing taxes. We have all the resources we need they are just sitting behind desks. Between Matawan & Aberdeen we have (6) Superior Officiers for a total of around 50 patrolmen. If these departments where not paid by our taxes and run like a more professional or privately owned BUSINESS we would certainly not have UPPER MANAGEMENT types at a ratio of greater than 1 for 10 subordinates. This is a ROOT CAUSE of why New Jersey has the highest taxes in the country !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really believe that the community should have a CERT. This idea would really help out in times like this. This type of idea is going to be very hard to organize as local municipalities would have to participate to make it work. I have over 20 years of experince dealing with Union's and there is no way the PBA is going to agree with anything like this. While it sounds like a great idea the PBA would fight it behind the scenes. Lets face it it will reduce the overtime their PO's recieve. Remember the PO's standing at the gas stations are not there volunteering. An effect CERT team could be expanded in the future and the PBA members know this. Any plan that will reduce the police forces OT is never going to be supported by the members or Cheif John Powers. When I worked in the Port of NJ & NY and it snowed the facility guys used to call the snow "WHITE GOLD" as they would make a fortune. People say the teachers unions is strong here in NJ but remember the PBA is so powerful that even thier own members need to issue thier families and freinds PBA cards to protect them from themselves.

I think we understand just how important community service is There seems to be quite a different opinion when you review the posts here on the Patch in regards to the service provided. While I am sure the PO's did work alot of hours this past couple of weeks but we need to remember these are highly paid unionized workers who are getting paid with OT for every minute they are working. Couple this with benefits package they recieve and this police force is making significantly making more than most all Matawan residents. So we all need to keep this in mind that these highly paid individuals are directly proportional to our high real estate taxes. Since NJ has the highest taxes in the USA are we recieving the best service in the USA............

Thanks Chelsea! I am not saying any of my ideas are the right ideas. I just wanted to get everyone, officials and residents, thinking and talking about it, while it's still fresh in everyone's mind. My family was pretty prepared, but for only 3-5 days. After that, it started getting a bit scary. It's obvious that planning for a longer emergency is needed both by individuals and local government.

Hi Chelsea, I am gald to read your post and hope that Matawan & Aberdeen can work together in creating a joint CERT. This situation shows that Municipality's are not equipped or lack the knowledge to take action. This is a real problem here in NJ with over 520 municipalities. This means we have 520 Police Chiefs and Mayors who are not capable of providing the support when the public really needs it most. All the Municipalities here in NJ would benefit from some type of regionalization. This would enable each County to have the resources when they are needed most. What we really need is to combine these two police departments as each department has plenty of UPPER MAnagement types with (6) Superior Officiers between them we could add probably 5 or 6 more patrolman and put them out on the streets where the PO's are needed. The duplication of services that are being provided is wasteful and costing the residents of both Aberdeen & Matawan a fortune with our tax rate being one of the higest in the USA. I must of seen 20 interviews of people on TV from the Carolina's and it seemed like they all are retired NJ policeman. Another thing we should remember is these highly paid Unuonized workers get automatic raises based on their years of employment. They do not have to get reviewed on a annual basis or have a peformance review prior to getting there annual guaranteed raises.
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I am in agreement here. I've gone computer-less at home, I don't own a smart phone, and I know my elderly neighbors do not have either as well. Yet every reverse 911 call I got from Matawan and Aberdeen instructed me to go to a website or even worse, Facebook page (not even a resource on the town's own official site!). This is unacceptable. I'm not saying a patrol vehicle should necessarily go around with a bullhorn, but if the town can call me with a reverse 911 call, THEY SHOULD GIVE ME ALL PERTINENT INFORMATION IN THE MESSAGE.

Even worse the services at Aberdeen Municipal Building was closed, the building running on generator power from what I understand, yet the whole building was lit up. I understand having the police quarters up and running but with the other sections need to be lit if they were closed? That was a waste.