The Fairfield Office ofEmergency Management and the Fairfield Citizen
Corps Council will sponsor Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
training to begin March 1, 2014. The training is free and applicants
must be at l east 18 years of age. The training focuses on disaster
preparedness and emergency response skills, as well as special training
to aid in sheltering operations. The training program will take place
Saturdays 8 a.m . to 2 p.m. from March 1st through March 29th. All
classes must be completed. Advance registration is required.
The
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a program of the Citizen
Corps, a nationwide program supported by the US Department of Homeland
Security and the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public
Protection . The purpose of CERT and the Citizen Corps is to train
community members in emergency preparedness to support local emergency
re s ponders as volunteers for disaster relief and community safety.
CERT operates under the direction of the Town of Fairfield Emergency
Management.
The state-approved curriculum for basic training includes
Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety, Disaster Medical Operations, Light
Search and Rescue, CERT Organization, Disaster Psychology, and
Terrorism. In addition, classes will be given in shelter operations and
pet sheltering, which is a critical need should people with companion
pets be evacuated to a local shelter. The CERT training is scheduled at
the Fire Training Center in Fairfield on One Rod Highway . Graduates of
the program who join the CERT team in Fairfield will be issued CERT
identification and a backpack with basic equipment. Team members will be
qualified to assist in operating a shelter during a major emergency as
well as supporting emergency responders in various roles. The Fairfield
team members will be eligible to participate in additional CERT training
events in Connecticut.
Class size is limited. For more information and
registration forms contact Norma Peterson, Coordinator, Fairfield
Citizen Corps Council, at citizencorps@optonline.net or telephone
203.255.3554. Forms can also be picked up at the Fairfield Fire
Department Headquarters at 140 Reef Road in Fairfield. Advance
registration is required .