Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, there can be an emergency or disaster that can overwhelm the community's immediate response capability. While adjacent jurisdictions, State and Federal resources can activate to help, there may be a delay for them getting to those who need them. The primary reason for Community Emergency Response Team [CERT] training is to give people the decision-making, organizational, and practical skills to offer immediate assistance to family members, neighbors, and associates while waiting for help. While people will respond to others in need without the training, the goal of the CERT program is to help people do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

 

Bridgeport is susceptible to several types of natural, technological and man-made disasters.  As the City works to mitigate these events, it is important for the citizens to understand that we can't stop severe storms, flooding, long-term interruptions to the commercial power grid, etc.  But we can implement programs and provide training to lessen the impact of the disasters when they threaten our community.  One such program is the CERT program.  The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community. It is important to remember that the best sources of help in emergencies are professional responders. However, in situations when they are not immediately available, people will want to act and help. We have seen this time and again in our history. CERT training teaches skills that people can use to safely help while waiting for responders. The alternate is to do nothing and that is not in our nature.

 

There will be a Community Emergency Response Team [CERT] training held on Saturday, May 11 and May 18 from 9AM to 5PM in the council chambers at city hall [515 W Main Street, Bridgeport].  This is a FREE course and lunch will be provided.  Limited spaces are available.

 

 To register or for more information, please contact:

 

Ray or Tressa J. Shaw

PROJECT G.R.A.C.E.(Getting Ready Ahead of Catastrophic Events)

 

TShawAFC@ma.rr.com

 

Phone:  (304) 848-0264

Cell:  (304) 629-9471

www.AFlameforChrist.org