Fall CERT classes begin Oct. 6

CERT-issued gear

Last year, I informed my husband that I felt it was necessary for us to both sign up and attend the local CERT training. No, it is not a breath mint, CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team. I explained that it was training that all citizens could benefit from.  

Tricia Granfors, the Westshore CERT coordinator, and I reviewed the program and I asked how to sign up. My husband Dave and I completed the application, then waited for the classes to begin.

Five consecutive Saturday mornings may sound like a lot, but the training was great and the time spent actually flew by. Each week various topics were covered from first aid to fire safety. The speakers were both informative and knowledgable and the demonstrations interesting and fun. Once we completed the classes, we were given the opportunity to join the all-volunteeer Westshore CERT team.

Regardless of who you are or where you live, community preparedness starts with you. We need to be prepared for emergencies in our own homes as well as in our communities. The Westshore CERT team will be offering free classes this October. The topics range from disaster preparedness, search and rescue, basic medical treatment and fire management and suppression.    

Training begins Oct. 6 and runs for five consecutive Saturday morning classes. Instruction will take place from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John Medical Center and the City of Westlake Service Center. CERT is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The 20-hour FEMA training course is conducted by several local safety professionals.

Westshore residents age 18 and older who successfully complete training and pass a background check are eligible for team membership. Those interested in the free classes can contact Tricia Granfors at 440-716-4135 or granforst@north-olmsted.com. Class size is limited.

Lysa Stanton

Westlake Historical Society

Read More on Community Service
Volume 4, Issue 19, Posted 10:01 AM, 09.18.2012