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Fairfielders will now have dozens more people to turn to in an emergency. Fairfields Civilian Emergency Response Team (CERT) added 23 new members earlier this month, capping off a 10-week program. The new volunteers will help police, fire and medical crews in large-scale emergencies.
Were proud of our newest members and welcome them into this great organization, said Norma Peterson, who founded CERT in 2006. The new trainees spent 10 Saturdays at the beginning of this year at the Fairfield Regional Fire School preparing for their new volunteer gigs. The course covered topics such as Disaster Medical Services (including triage and basic first aid), Light Search and Rescue, Disaster Psychology, Fire Safety, Terrorism, Personal Disaster Preparedness, and a Shelter Workshop given by the American Red Cross.
The final week was a pet sheltering simulation, where the trainees practiced handling pets during house fires and other destructive disasters. During incidents where a family is forced out of their home and into a shelter, they can register to put pets in an emergency shelter. The new CERT volunteers rehearsed the initial setup and care procedures for a temporary pet shelter.
CERT classes are free, but enrollment is limited. Fairfielders who would like information on future classes should call (203) 255-3554 or email citizencorps@optonline.net.
Do you do any volunteer work? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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