Emergency Volunteers Sought In West Hartford

Town of West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The town recently has put out the call for folks to volunteer in their communities for future disasters that, hopefully, will not happen.

According to the town, new members sought for West Hartford's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) basic training, which begins Wednesday, April 2.

After that, the training will be held on seven consecutive Wednesdays, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with a practice exercise and drill on Sunday, May 18, at 8 a.m.

The class is free and open to anyone 18 years of age or older who lives, works, or goes to school in West Hartford.

The West Hartford CERT Team is a group of local volunteers trained to improve their preparedness levels and become able to respond to major emergencies and disasters.

The team provides essential services while awaiting professional emergency responders and increases the town's overall preparedness.

Last year, CERT members performed over 2,000 volunteer hours by assisting with food distribution, parades, and special events.

Residents are asked to apply to join. Space is limited to the first 25 who sign up.

Course Overview:

• Basic CERT Course: A 20-hour standardized course
• Topics Covered: Disaster preparedness, emergency first aid, disaster psychology, animal sheltering, fire safety, terrorism, and more

To date, more than 294 residents have participated in this program, wrote the town.

What Volunteers Gain:

• Training by Professionals: Learn from experts in areas crucial for handling emergencies

• Federal Emergency Management Agency Online Course: Additional training to enhance your skills

• CERT Backpack: Receive emergency equipment and a certificate of completion from the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Eligibility: Participants must be 18 or older and live, work, or attend school in West Hartford.

Activity requirements: There are no minimum activity requirements. Team members volunteer according to their availability and interest.

CERT is integral to the West Hartford Office of Emergency Management, directed by West Hartford Fire Chief Greg Priest.

For more information and to sign up:

• Visit the CERT webpage
• Contact: CERT@westhartfordct.gov
• Call: 860-561-8310 (Robert Hilborn or Robert McCue)

For more information on the West Hartford CERT team, click on this link.