Learn To Prep For Disaster At Avon Forum Next Week

AVON, CT — Avon residents interested in emergency preparedness and community service will have an opportunity next week to learn more about the town's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Avon CERT will hold a National CERT Week meeting Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. at Avon Volunteer Fire Department Company No. 1 Headquarters, 25 Darling Drive.

The meeting is being held as Avon joins communities nationwide in recognizing National CERT Week, scheduled for Sept. 20-26.

This year's observance also marks the 40th anniversary of the Community Emergency Response Team program.

The theme for the 2026 observance is "Carrying the Torch 40 Years & Beyond!"

Organizers said the theme recognizes generations of volunteers who have helped prepare and support their communities while emphasizing the importance of sharing emergency-response knowledge and developing future volunteer leaders.

Residents attending the Avon meeting will have an opportunity to meet local CERT members and learn how volunteers are trained to assist their community during disasters and other emergencies, as well as at community events.

CERT training is designed to prepare volunteers to safely assist their communities before, during, and after emergencies when professional responders may be stretched by the scope of an incident.

According to the event announcement, there are about 3,200 CERT programs nationwide.

The Sept. 22 meeting is also an opportunity for residents interested in volunteering to learn more about joining Avon's program.

For more information, residents can contact the Town of Avon Office of Fire Prevention and Emergency Management at 860-409-4390 or firemarshal@avonct.gov.