Grand Rapids Reporter

The City of Grand Rapids first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is ready to serve after completing a rigorous eight-week training curriculum. The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) today introduced the 16 graduates to members of the City Commission’s Public Safety Committee. 

CERT is a volunteer program focused on community-based disaster preparedness, response, and recovery training. The CERT volunteers are now skilled in emergency preparedness procedures, fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, disaster psychology, and more. 

“This first graduation class is a game changer for us in emergency management,” said Allison Farole, emergency management administrator. “If a disaster occurs in Grand Rapids, we will be able to respond in a more robust manner. These trained community members will be resilient and able to help their families and neighbors until professional first responders are able to respond. When help does arrive, CERT members will provide valuable information to responders and support their efforts, as directed at the disaster site. We can expect CERT members to assist in evacuation, handling donations, supporting damage assessment efforts, and many other tasks to assist our professional responders when activated by the Office of Emergency Management.” 

Farole said others who want to make an impact on their community can look to future CERT trainings in 2024 to learn skills that can help neighbors if disaster strikes. 

Original source can be found here.