Richmond seeks CERT members

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RICHMOND – If dis­aster struck Richmond today, local police and firefighters would be the first to respond. In a few months, there will be another contingency eager to help during floods, snowstorms and other catastrophes: residents.

Richmond Fire is leading the formation of a Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, to assist emergency agencies during major incidents.

“They’re trained to be responsive in their neighborhood,” Richmond Fire Chief Rick Gallas said. “As [they] start to stabilize the environment around [them], then we can use the CERT people in support roles.”

Residents must undergo training to gain membership in CERT. Local firefighters, police officers and outside instructors teach members about general first aid, CPR, building and construction, among other skills.

CERT members are trained to assist their families first, then fan out to the neighborhood and then make themselves available to officials handling incident scenes.

Upon certification, members receive a backpack filled with gear to use during an incident, such as a first aid kit, a hard hat and vest.

Gallas said the training was not only beneficial for those who would assist at scenes, but also for residents who want to learn safety protocols to apply in their homes.

“It also gives the people who want to sign up a little more confidence,” Gallas said. “They might get more training in things they’re not particularly well-versed in.”

Gallas said he hoped to recruit at least 24 people for the team and wants to launch training in January.

The only requirement for membership in the Richmond Township CERT is that members reside within township limits.