Members of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Town Emergency Management Team will gather Saturday, June 11 to participate in a cross-training drill as part of the Ridgefield Is Ready, Are You? campaign initiated by the Town of Ridgefield for emergency preparedness. In anticipation of hurricane season (June 1 through November 30), approximately 45 CERT members will participate in a cross-training drill to allow all CERTs to experience each specific area of expertise in an emergency situation, also known as a “black sky day”. Areas include: Damage Assessment, Communications (Ham Radio), Public Information Office, and Phone Call Center.
Matt Hicks, Damage Assessment Team Leader, stated “This is an important drill for our new CERTs who have not experienced a storm situation. It will provide direct exposure to the specifics of team operations, thereby allowing them to better respond in the event we are activated during this year’s hurricane season. It also educates seasoned CERTs in areas outside their field of expertise.” Dick Aarons, Deputy Emergency Manager and CERT Leader, is encouraged that the CERT team has chosen to take advantage of ‘blue sky days’ to hone their preparedness skills, thereby strengthening the team’s responsiveness in actual storm situations.