Canton Recruiting New Emergency Volunteers

CANTON, CT — The Town of Canton is seeking new volunteers for its Community Emergency Response Team, which trains residents to assist the community before, during, and after emergencies and disasters.

No previous emergency response experience is required to join Canton CERT, according to the town.

Basic training is free, runs throughout the year, and is offered in Canton or surrounding communities.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency CERT basic training curriculum consists of about 20 hours of instruction covering disaster preparedness, CERT organization, disaster medical operations, fire safety and utility controls, light search and rescue operations, team organization, disaster psychology and terrorism awareness.

Training also includes hands-on exercises intended to prepare volunteers to respond safely during emergencies.

Canton CERT remains active beyond its basic training program.

Team members can support first responders and the town's emergency management director during emergencies, assist with shelter operations, and provide communications, crowd control, traffic, and parking assistance at community events.

Volunteers may also participate in community preparedness education and work with town departments, schools, Scout groups, and other local organizations.

The team uses ham radio and Winlink for emergency communications and can assist with shelter registration, basic needs, and family reunification during disasters, according to recruitment information provided by the town.

Residents interested in learning more can contact Canton Emergency Management Director/Canton Police Chief Chris Arciero at 860-693-7872 or Canton Assistant Emergency Management Director and Canton CERT Co-Coordinator Kevin Bradley at 860-836-4558.