photos above by Malinda Hartong

Community Emergency Response Team

Following a disaster, community members may be on their own for a period of time because of the size of the area affected, lost communications, and impassable roads.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program supports local response capability by training volunteers to organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers at the disaster site, to provide immediate assistance to victims, and to collect disaster intelligence to support responder efforts when they arrive.

In the classroom, participants learn about the hazards they face and ways to prepare. CERT members are taught skills that can be used to help themselves, their loved ones and their neighbors until help arrives.

Training

Springfield Township will be providing this training for Springfield Township residents. Training consists of 20 hours of instruction on topics that include disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster psychology. Upon completion of the training, participants are encouraged to continue their involvement by participating in training activities and volunteering for projects that support Springfield Township's disaster preparedness efforts. Participants must attend all of the classes.

Registration Process

The CERT program is only open to Springfield Township residents over the age of 18. Only 20 participants may register for this program. You are not guaranteed a place in class until the registration is approved by Captain Mark Thurman. A background check is required. After registering online, you will receive a background check authorization form. You will receive notification if you have been accepted into the program.

For more information please contact any of the following:

Capt. Mark Thurman at mthurman@springfieldtwp.org  513-521-7578

Sergeant Deshawn Brooks at Dbrooks@Springfieldtwp.org

Next Class

Springfield Township Fire Station 79, 9150 Winton Road, Cincinnati OH 45231

Deadline to register, September 5, 2023

REGISTER HERE.

*You will be send a background check authorization form after you apply.