CERT Program Announced in North Strabane

’s Emergency Management Agency recently announced the formation of a Community Emergency Response Team—otherwise known as CERT.

The Community Emergency Response Team Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

“CERT volunteers will assist established public safety agencies such as the police, fire and EMS departments when a large-scale crisis stretches available resources,” said Robert F. Balogh, North Strabane’s emergency management coordinator. He will also serve as the CERT coordinator.

 “The CERT Team will focus primarily on weather-related emergencies or other disasters that could be common to our area,” said Marcus Mercante Staley, who will serve as the CERT public information officer.

A class will be scheduled for any North Strabane resident who is interested in joining and who meets the minimum age requirement of 18. The CERT training for community groups is usually delivered in 2 1/2 hour sessions, one evening a week over a seven-week period.

Those interested in getting involved with CERT can contact Balogh by email at nstcert@gmail.com or by phone at 724-350-9107. Staley can be reached by email at marcusmstaley@yahoo.com or by phone at 724-986-4531.

Additional information about North Strabane CERT can also be found here.