Town Seeks Community Volunteers for Emergency Response Team

The Town of Coventry Emergency Management Committee is forming a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) conducted by 15 members of the Central Coventry Fire District and Public Education Team. CERT is a national program designed to train citizens to prepare for and assist during catastrophic events, such as a natural disaster or other major emergencies.

This team of volunteers will be activated in the event of a catastrophe to provide assistance in shelters, emergency operations centers and with clerical work during emergencies. They will act as an additional support system for the police and fire departments in times of need.

In order to become a member of the CERT program, volunteers must complete a nine-week Basic Training Program that will take place each Wednesday in June and July from 6:30-9:30 p.m.  During the program volunteers will learn a series of classroom lessons and hands-on training exercises. Some of the topics touched upon will be Disaster Preparedness, Basic Fire Safety, Disaster Medical Operations (CPR/Triage/Medicine Distribution), Light Search and Rescue, Disaster Psychology and Terrorism Training. There will also be a disaster simulation at the end of the nine weeks.

Following the initial training program there will be continuous monthly training based on current events happening nationally and internationally. 

"We'll take a look at how things were done and how we can make it better." said Captain Bill Hall of the Central Coventry Fire District.

Captain Hall says he is looking to have about 21 citizens participate in the training program but if interest allows, another program will be scheduled. 

"If there's an interest we'd love to have the people participate," he said. "CERT is all about people in the community helping other people."

Citizens 18 years-of-age or older who would like to take part in the program should contact Captain Bill Hall at 825-7899 or coventrycert@aol.com. Coventry CERT also has aFacebook page.