Hazelwood CERT Program Looking for New Life, More Members

When disaster strikes people lean on those closest to them, and sometimes that can mean a neighbor. Consider what it would be like to be that neighbor that does more than consoles, but leads and knows what to do in times of crisis.

If you think that may be you, the City of Hazelwood's Fire Department is looking for residents to participate in CERT, or the Hazelwood Community Emergency Response Team.

"We need some new blood," said Hazelwood City Councilman Robert Aubuchon. "We have some great member that have been on for a long time, but want to get them some more assitance and get the community more involved."

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What is CERT?

The City of Hazelwood prepares for everyday emergencies. Both is police and fire departments are well equipped to handle crisis situations; however, during a disaster, should the number and scope of incidents can overwhelm conventional emergency services every day people may be called upon to step in.

That's were the CERT program comes into play. It is an all-risk, all-hazard training program designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation.

CERT is just training. While people will respond to others in need without the training, one goal of the CERT program is to help them do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger. In the CERT training, residents learn to:

• manage utilities and put out small fires
• treat the three medical killers by opening airways, controlling the bleeding, and treating for shock
• provide basic medical aid
• search for and rescue victims safely
• organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective
• and collect disaster intelligence to support first responder efforts.

What does it take to join CERT?

CERT is an all-risk, all-hazard training program. CERT members receive 17.5 hours (one day a week for 7 weeks) of initial training. This boils down to approximately 2.5 hours per class.

CERT is provided free of charge within the City of Hazelwood to anyone age 18 or older. Click here to download the CERT program application form and print it. The form is located at the bottom of the page. Mail or drop off a completed form at the Hazelwood Fire Department located at 6800 Howdershell Road.

Join As A Group

ITo schedule a class for a group, there has to be a minimum of 20 people trainng. Classes can be held offsite, or at the Hazelwood Fire Station. For more information, contact the Hazelwood Deputy Fire Marshal at (314) 513-5153.

See CERT in Action

CERT will be meeting on Jan 9 at 7 p.m. at Hazelwood Fire Station #2 on Howdershell Road, if you'd like to stop in and see what being a part of the program is about.