New Fairfield is looking for a group of people to volunteer their time to become a member of our CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). In 95% of emergencies, the victim, or a bystander provides the first assistance on the scene. Would you know what to do?
The CERT team responsibilities include identifying hazards in the home and workplace, extinguish small fires, assisting emergency responders, conducting light search and rescue, set up medical treatment areas, apply basic medical techniques, and help reduce survivor stress. The training, materials and equipment will all be provided to you. CERT volunteers are trained to respond safely, responsibly and effectively in an emergency situation. CERT's can also help their community in non-emergency events as well.
The first CERT team was first established in 1985 by the Los Angeles City Fire department. In 1993 FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, made training available nationwide, since then over 2700 local CERT programs have been created all over the country.
As a New Fairfield CERT team member you will help provide critical support to our first responders. You will assist victims, provide damage assessment information, and organize volunteers. CERT members also offer help with shelter support, crowd control and evacuation. The main objective of CERT is to help others until trained emergency personnel arrive.
If you are 18 years and older and are interested, please contact the First Selectman's office at 203-312-5600 or email cfennessey@newfairfield.org as soon as possible. More information is available at www.ready.gov/citizen-corps.
Help us make New Fairfield an even stronger community !