January 22, 2025

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP
CERT
January 22, 2025

The meeting was held in the Township Municipal Building and began at 7:05pm.

Flag Salute

Present: Dawn Mutschler, Ilene Schwartz, Maureen Tsadilas, Carol Kouba, Michelle Vosper, Lisa Chammings, Doug McIntyre, Lori Breen, and Barbara Kimmich

Old Business: 
23 people completed the Basic CERT Training Course on November 16th, 2024. We gained 4 new members. In February, we had 3 more volunteers join the team. Overall, Stillwater CERT has grown from 4 to 11 members.

On January 16th, 7 members attended the ‘Stop the Bleed’ Training. 3 of the members were already trained. There is now a total of 11 CERT members certified.

New Business:

No Fire Department report was given.

On January 14th, Maureen met with the Sheriff’s Department, State Police, and other local CERT team leaders to discuss the new reporting formats and regulations from FEMA. Spring trainings were discussed. The Water Safety Fair was discussed, State Police and CERT teams want to be a part of this event.

Maureen mentioned cutting back on community event participation to allow for more time for new training programs.

On January 14th, Lisa, Maureen, and Ilene met to discuss the purchase of a laptop, projector, screen, and wall mounts for the OEM office. Ilene is researching equipment.

Maureen asked that each CERT member keep track of any training they take (including webinars and workplace trainings) and to report them to Maureen so she can update and maintain the training log. Copies of trainings will be filed in each person’s file. Recording forms are also available to take home.

On January 21st, Maureen met with John Dixon, the Sussex County Public Safety Director, to discuss training at the Fire Academy in the Spring.

The CERT February 26th meeting will have a guest speaker presenting Narcan Training.

Suggestions for future trainings have included the use of a compass, search & rescue, and train disasters.

13 CERT groups assisted at the California wildfires. Their duties included caring for displaced pets, loading supplies onto planes, working with the Red Cross and MRC, and organizing food deliveries.

Lisa made it known that the OEM Office has and maintains a ‘Critical Care’ List. This is individuals who would need assistance in the event of a disaster.

Michelle asked about fire and hazard prevention (mitigation). Lisa said that every 5 years, the town must devise a Hazard Mitigation Plan and submit it to FEMA.

There was discussion concerning having a different jacket that would fit men and women and is also easier to work in. Some suggestions were to contact Newton Trophy. Maureen will look into this futher.

Lisa talked to the group about delivering disaster supplies to North Carolina and Georgia.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Carol Kouba