If Disaster His West Hartford, These Volunteers Are Here To Help

WEST HARTFORD, CT — If disaster were to strike West Hartford, folks might want to look to local members of its Community Emergency Response Team.

Recently, the town graduated 25 new volunteers — upping CERT's local ranks to 160 — who completed training to help, according to the town on Tuesday.

In order to complete the course, CERT trainees must complete 20 hours of training that covers eight modules of theoretical and practical content in disaster preparedness and response.

The classes are taught by local emergency response/management personnel.

It concludes with a final exam with practical and written components, town officials said.
West Hartford's CERT was formed in 2021.

"West Hartford CERT is a group of local volunteers from different neighborhoods that receive special training to enhance their ability to recognize, respond to, and recover from a major emergency or disaster situation," writes the town via its website.

"As an organized team, individuals can provide vital services in the absence of and while waiting for the arrival of emergency responders; they often also assist once responders arrive."

West Hartford CERT will run its spring training session in March 2023. To learn more, visit https://www.westhartfordct.gov/cert.