Seymour to offer CERT training in January 2015

SEYMOUR >> The Office of Emergency Management will sponsor a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to begin Jan. 26, 2015.

The training is free and applicants must be at least 18 years of age. The training focuses on
disaster preparedness and emergency response skills, as well as special training to aid in shelter
management. Classes will be given Mondays and Wednesdays from Jan. 26 through March 4, 2015. Advance registration is required.

CERT is a program of the Citizen Corps, a nationwide program supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. The purpose of CERT and the Citizen Corps is to train community members in emergency preparedness to support local emergency responders as volunteers with disaster relief and community safety.

The state-approved curriculum for basic training includes Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety, Disaster Medical Operations, Light Search and Rescue, CERT Organization, Disaster Psychology, and Terrorism. The CERT training is scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. from January 26 through March 4 at Seymour Ambulance, 4 Wakeley St.

Graduates of the program who join the CERT team in Seymour will be issued a CERT identification and a backpack with basic equipment. Team members will be qualified to assist in operating a shelter during a major emergency, as well as possibly supporting emergency responders in various roles. The Seymour team members will be eligible to participate in additional CERT training events in Connecticut.

Class size is limited and team members must be age 18 or older. For more information and registration forms, contact Bob Wilson at 203-736-1951. Forms can also be picked up at the Seymour Ambulance Association, 4 Wakeley St. Seymour. Advance registration is required.

This is a press release from Thomas Eighmie, Emergency Management Director for the Town of Seymour.