Are you ready? Community Emergency Response Team Training Offered

Are you ready for a disaster?  Can your neighborhood be self-sufficient for at least three days after a disaster?  Who will help the injured victims in your neighborhood if rescuers are not available?  “Neighbors helping neighbors is the core philosophy behind the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.  

The Northern Essex Regional Emergency Planning Committee (NorthernEssex REPC) is holding a CERT Training Class, held over 6 weeks starting on Monday April 9.

The CERT program helps train citizens to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their homes, neighborhoods and communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community. CERT is a nationwide initiative.  In addition, CERT members are given numerous opportunities to train in a variety of emergency services related topics and to participate in community events.

In addition to the CERT Training the NorthernEssexREPC is looking for trained CERT volunteers to join the NorthernEssex REPC CERT Team.  NorthernEssexREPC  committee members are representatives of Fire, Police, Emergency Management, Public Health, Schools, Industry, Hospitals, and Elected Officials in the following cities and towns:  Amesbury, Boxford, Georgetown, Ipswich, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury. 

The CERT training consists of 20 hours of instruction over a six-week period.  Course topics include disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations, disaster psychology and team organization, and terrorism.  Additional trainings are offered throughout the year to the CERT Basic Training graduates to keep the training current and to have hands on practical experience.  

The CERT program has a place for citizens of various ages and abilities. There are many jobs within a CERT for someone who wants to be involved and help. CERT members are needed for documentation, comforting others, logistics, etc.  Non-disaster related team activities may include keeping databases, writing a newsletter and planning exercises and activities.

Classes will be held the West Newbury Public Safety Building Training Room, 401 Main Street, West Newbury, MA 01985. 

For more information or to register for the upcoming class visit www.wnema.org or contact: Donald Swenson, Director of Amesbury Emergency Management Agency (978) 388-8155, dons@amesburyma.gov or Lee Ann Delp, Director of West Newbury Emergency Management Agency (978) 363-1103, ema@westnewburysafety.org.