The Easton Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was officially established in June of 2017. It currently has 31 volunteers who completed three months of CERT Basic Training to become members. The basic training course consisted of disaster preparedness, fire safety and utility controls, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations, CERT organization, disaster psychology, and terrorism. In addition, they also earned certification in basic first aid, CPR and AED’s and trained in firefighter rehab. They participated in a final exam and shelter drill to complete the basic training process.
The team continues to train on a regular basis, both in Easton and in surrounding communities, with the main goal of staffing and operating a shelter for the Town of Easton. While some members have taken on supervisory roles within the shelter, all are being cross-trained to handle any staffing position necessary.
Community events also keep the CERT members busy. They have provided first aid stations at road races, safety monitoring, and emergency preparedness displays and materials to the public at several events. The Legacy Art Festival, Paws in the Park, NRT Harvest Fair, Fire Department Open House, Easton Middle School Haunted Hallways and a Welcome Avalon Residents event are just some examples of the time these generous volunteers give to our community.
Easton is fortunate to have a group of such dedicated volunteers to serve its community.