First Selectman Mike Tetreau announced today that free training is available for any community member over the age of eighteen (18) who is interested in volunteering to assist local emergency responders in disaster relief and community safety.
The Fairfield Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Fairfield Emergency Management will sponsor free CERT training to anyone in the Fairfield community over the age of eighteen. The training, which will begin on February 28, 2015, focuses on disaster preparedness and emergency response skills, as well as special training to aid in sheltering operations.
The free training program will take place Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from February 28, 2015 through March 28, 2015 at the Fairfield Senior Center on Mona Terrace. All classes must be completed. Advance registration is required. Class size is limited.
For more information and registration forms, please contact Norma Peterson, CERT Liaison for Fairfield, at citizencorps@optonline.net or by phone at 203.255.3554 or 203.273.0926. Forms can also be downloaded from the Fairfield Fire Department website at www.fdfairfield.com.
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 is to train community members in emergency preparedness to support local emergency responders 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 taught on shelter operations and pet sheltering, which is a critical need should people with companion pets be evacuated to a local shelter.
Graduates of the program who qualify to join the CERT team in Fairfield will be issued CERT identification and a backpack with basic equipment. Team members will be able 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.
The photo shows First Selectman Mike Tetreau and Norma Peterson, CERT Liaison for Fairfield, with a backpack and hat that trained team members receive.