PRESS CONTACT:   John T. Powers, Chief of Police
                                  (732) 583-4200, ext. 221

                                                                                                For Immediate Release

ABERDEEN INVITES RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN
 RED CROSS EMERGENCY SHELTER TRAINING COURSE

ABERDEEN TOWNSHIP (5/8/08) – The Aberdeen Township Police Department and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) are inviting Aberdeen residents to participate in a Red Cross Shelter Training program on June 7, 2008 at The Holmdel Township Senior/Community Center.

          Hosted by The Jersey Shore Red Cross, Bayshore Emergency Management Alliance and Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management, the program will feature two training classes designed to educate interested volunteers on how to assist in operating or managing an emergency shelter.

          The day-long program will feature two classes: Shelter Operations, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and Shelter Manager, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

           The Shelter Operations class is open to all members of the community interested in assisting with the operation of an emergency shelter, including CERT members, community volunteers, faith-based groups, etc. Participants will learn how to manage shelter operations effectively and sensitively as a team, while meeting the needs of people displaced as a result of a disaster.

            The Shelter Manager class is suggested for all Office of Emergency Management coordinators and deputies, and CERT Coordinators. Participants will learn how to oversee and manage shelter operations effectively and sensitively. The Shelter Operations class is a pre-requisite for participation in the Shelter Manager Class.

            This program is offered free-of-charge.  To register, or to receive additional information, contact John T. Powers, Aberdeen Township Emergency Management Coordinator/Chief of Police at (732) 583-4200, ext.221; or Herb Caravella, Aberdeen Township CERT Coordinator, at (732) 583-4200, ext. 799.

            The Holmdel Senior/Community Center is located on Crawfords Corner Road, just off Holmdel Road, next to Town Hall.