Description:
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a valuable tool in our arsenal of defense and assistance during natural or man-made disasters that may hit the Town of Windsor Locks. A part of the Emergency Management Department, the team is comprised of townspeople and others who are dedicated to helping their fellow citizens in time of need. They are trained in basic first aid, shelter operations, fire suppression, search and rescue, EOC (emergency operations center) basic operations and much more. CERT training classes are required and are about 40 hours.
CERT MISSION STATEMENT :
The Windsor Locks CERT Team, A group of trained community volunteers assigned to the Emergency Management Department, will provide assistance to the Windsor Locks Police, Fire, Ambulance, Public Works, and other Town Departments during Disasters/Emergencies whenever called upon to do so. We will provide assistance, training and relief to our fellow townspeople during such times, and will help them to prepare for and respond to such emergencies.
In 95% of all emergencies, the victim or bystander provides the first immediate assistance on the scene. Would you know what to do?
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) educates people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. Using their training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event and can take a more active role in preparing their community.
CERT Training takes about 40 hours to complete and provides critical skills in emergency preparedness and response. Participants learn how to Identify and anticipate hazards, reduce fire hazards in the home and workplace, extinguish small fires, assist emergency responders, set up medical treatment areas, apply basic medical techniques, coordinate shelter operations and help reduce survivor stress. Most recently, the WL CERT has assisted the CT Department of Health administer H1N1 (Swine Flu) innoculations at our Senior Center and High School this past winter.
The program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the grassroots Citizen Corps program. If you are interested in learning more about Windsor Locks CERT, or to apply for membership, contact the EMD Director.
