Canton To Host Forum On Emergency Preparations

CANTON, CT — Canton residents can learn how to better prepare themselves and their families for emergencies during a free presentation Monday, Sept. 15, at the Canton Community Center.

The program, presented by Canton Emergency Management and the Canton Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 40 Dyer Ave. in Collinsville.

Organizers said the presentation will cover how residents can prepare for emergencies, FEMA recommendations, what town services are available during an emergency and the role of Canton's CERT team. A question-and-answer session will follow.

CERT programs train residents in basic disaster response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, shelter operations, and disaster medical operations.

Members can assist when a large-scale emergency overwhelms local response capabilities or when professional responders are not immediately available.

The Canton CERT program offers training year-round for residents interested in learning how to help themselves, their families, neighbors, and the broader community during emergencies.

The Sept. 15 presentation will be held in the multipurpose room on the bottom floor of the Canton Community Center.

Attendees should enter from the lower parking lot at the rear of the building.

There is no charge to attend.

Residents interested in becoming CERT members can contact the Emergency Management Director and Canton Police Chief Chris Arciero at 860-693-7872 or the Assistant Emergency Management Director and CERT Co-Coordinator Kevin P. Bradley at 860-836-4558.