CERT Training to be Held Thursdays Throughout October
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on October 08, 2015 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Those who would like to become part of the Harrison County Community Emergency Response Team "CERT" are welcome to take part in a training series which runs Thursday evenings through October at Bridgeport Fire Department.
Completion of all courses will enable residents to become part of the CERT program. Individuals are also welcome to just attend classes that are of particular interest.
The schedule is as follows:
Thurs., Oct. 8:
Unit 1: Introduction, disaster/personal preparedness 6-6:30 p.m.
Unit 2: Fire safety 6:30-8 p.m.
Unit 7: Disaster psychology 8-8:45 p.m.
Thurs., Oct. 15:
Unit 3: Disaster medical operations I 6-7:30 p.m.
Unit 4: Disaster Medical operations II 7:30-9 p.m.
Thurs., Oct. 22:
Unit 5: Light search and rescue 6-6:45 p.m.
Unit 8: Terrorism & CERT 6:45-7:30 p.m.
Unit 6: CERT organization 7:30-8 p.m.
Review/drill/certificates 8-9 p.m.
Training sessions are offered on a regular basis, said Laura Pysz, emergency services director for the City of Bridgeport.
“We try to offer trainings a couple of times per year to get citizens trained and prepared,” she said. “It’s a free class which teaches all the steps of what to do in an emergency situation and how you can help your community.”
The county CERT team has become a trusted, dependable resource in the face of disaster. Pysz specifically mentioned that the team was very active during the 2012 derecho.
“Members really helped out. They went door to door to check on people to make sure everyone was ok,” she said. “In times of disaster, there are never enough volunteers.”
To register for the free training opportunity, complete a registration form (below) and forward to Laura Pysz at lpysz@bridgeportwv.com or by fax at (304) 842-8254. Class size is limited to 20 participants.
Visit the Harrison County CERT page here:
CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference. Through training, citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires; treat the three killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective.
More information on CERT can be found here:
Editor's Note: In addition to a photo of a gathering of Harrison County CERT members, pictured is Pysz.
REGISTRATION FORM
6-9 p.m. Oct. 8, 15 and 22
Bridgeport Fire Department, 131 West Main Street, Bridgeport
NAME: ________________________________________________________________________________
RANK: _________ AGENCY: __________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________________
CITY: _____________________________________________ STATE: _______ ZIP: __________
PHONE: ________________________________________________________________________________
EMAIL: ________________________________________________________________________________
NOTE: Email address is required as confirmation and class information will be sent to the student via email.
Email registration form to Laura Pysz at:lpysz@bridgeportwv.comOr mail or fax to Laura at:
P.O. Box 1310
131 West Main Street
Bridgeport, WV 26330
(304) 842-8239
(304) 842-8254 Fax
