West Hartford’s Community Emergency Response Team has just completed its seventh training program.
Participants in West Hartford’s CERT training program. Courtesy photo
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The West Hartford CERT team graduated 27 residents from their Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training program on Sunday, April 7, 2024.
This program consists of over 20 hours of training in Disaster Preparedness, CERT Organization, Light Search and Rescue, Disaster Psychology, Terrorism, Fire Safety, Medical Operations, and Sheltering Operations. Additionally, each member became certified in the American Heart Association Heart Saver program.
Participants in West Hartford’s CERT training program. Courtesy photo
Participants also took part in a practical exercise in which they practiced using an extinguisher on an actual fire, search and rescue techniques, and emergency medical treatment. The team is currently accepting applications and the next training class will be in the fall on Saturday mornings.
Local CERT programs train residents to be better prepared to assist their families, neighbors, co-workers, and other community members during emergencies when professional responders may not be immediately available to assist. They also assist during town-wide events.
Participants in West Hartford’s CERT training program. Courtesy photo
Since the inception of the team in the spring of 2021, 269 residents have taken part in the training and have donated over 9,000 hours of service to the community. The group meets monthly at the Elmwood Community Center.
The training is free, geared toward all abilities and open to anyone 18 years of age or older.
For more information regarding the CERT program, please click here. You can also send an email to [email protected]
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