What is CERT?
The Federal Government has spearheaded the Citizens Corp, a program intended to assist those responding to emergencies at the local level. Recent events, such as Hurricane Katrina, have pointed out the need for local citizens to be prepared as governmental agencies attempt to respond. A significant component of the Citizens Corp is the Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT. The CERT is a program that prepares you to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of an emergency. Recently, individuals from town agencies, businesses and residents formed a Citizens Corps. Council, which initiated the development of the Weare CERT.
In February 2007 and again in April, Weare experienced a windstorms and flooding which impacted a number of residents for several days. Through the assistance of CERT members, residents were contacted to ensure their safety and potential needs were met. In addition to this example, CERT members also help the community by assisting with community emergency plans, neighborhood exercises, preparedness outreach, and Town wide events.
If you are interested in volunteering your time, assistance, personal services and/or equipment during the course of a community emergency, we invite you to consider joining CERT.