Join The Stamford Community Emergency Response Team

Information via City of Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — The city of Stamford announced this week that applications are now open for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and training will begin in June.

CERT team members are dedicated volunteers who undergo a training program that provides basic response skills needed for fire safety, light search and rescue, community disaster support, disaster medical operations and traffic control.

"As a city, we are always looking for ways to include members of the public who are willing to volunteer to help during emergencies," said Mayor Caroline Simmons in a news release. "Stamford CERT is a great opportunity for residents to learn about disaster preparedness and to assist the brave first responders who keep our community safe every day."

CERT members will participate in community preparedness and support first responders during disaster response activities, including:

• Traffic and crowd control at planned and unplanned events
• Emergency food and supply distribution during power outages and water main breaks
• Missing person searches
• Staffing assistance centers and interpreting for residents affected by emergencies
• Helping your neighbors in times of disaster
• Supporting the Emergency Operations Center
• Educating yourself, your family, and others about preparing for emergencies
• Strengthening your relationship with your community

Participants will attend a multi-week, hands-on, behind-the-scenes program that includes training by Stamford’s Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services departments.

Membership on the CERT team is open to anyone 18 years or older who lives or works in the city of Stamford. The volunteer commitment is for at least one year of service following graduation.

Training will begin June 14 and will be held once a week (with four Wednesday evening classes) with three additional Saturday morning classes.

A maximum of 30 participants will be accepted to the class after they pass an Emergency Management background check.