Niagara Region is searching for volunteers from across Niagara to join a newly minted Community Emergency Response Team.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a group of trained, certified volunteers who help their community in a time of disaster or crisis. Having an emergency response team in place helps increase Niagara’s safety and resiliency, and is a critical part of emergency response employed by communities throughout North America.
The team is trained to provide a personnel surge in the aftermath of a variety of disasters. Common ways members can provide support during or after an emergency include:
- Immediate first aid and rescue around their homes post-disaster
- Helping with disaster relief efforts
- Distribution of emergency supplies
- Assisting with annual emergency exercises
You can find out if you’re eligible and volunteer to join the Community Emergency Response Team by applying online. If you join the team, you will receive free, mandatory training to prepare you for your role. Applications are open until Feb. 25.
All volunteers must complete an on-boarding and orientation training program, as well as two training session each year to review and practice their skills as well as introduce new topics. Members will also be invited to participate in various emergency exercises and events throughout the year.
Niagara Region is grateful for the broad community support that has made the creation of the team possible. Financial contributions from the Enbridge Fueling Futures Fund and the Niagara Community Foundation’s David S. Howes Fund have been critical in getting the program up and running. Other partners, including the Fort Erie Fire Department and Niagara College, will bring the facilities and expertise needed to train volunteers in their new role.
Following the application process, team members will be selected and will begin their orientation and training in the Spring of 2022.
Niagara Region gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Niagara Community Foundation. The Foundation builds permanently endowed charitable funds and provides grants to eligible charitable organizations in culture, health, education, environment, recreation and social service sectors.
