Coventry CERT Team Activated to Aid in Shelter Operations

Just 10 days after Coventry's first CERT team their basic training, they will be utilizing some of the skills they learned over the nine weeks of classes. The team was activated on Friday afternoon.

In preparation for Hurricane Irene that is now scheduled to , a RI Red Cross shelter has been established at , sfaffed with emergency officials, human services officials, volunteers and CERT members.

The shelter will open to the public (everyone is welcome on an emergency basis, not only Coventry residents), at 12 p.m. on Saturday and the first CERT member shift begins at 11:30 a.m until 4 p.m.. Three additional shifts have been designated including a 4-11:59 p.m. on Saturday, a midnight to noon on Sunday shift and one that will begin at noon on Sunday and end when the storm dies down.

CERT members have been advised to dress comfortably and for those working the later shifts, to bring pillows, sleeping bags and a change of clothes to stay the night if necessary. Members will also be required to stay inside the shelter once the weather becomes dangerous, which is now looking to be earlier than expected.