Photo courtesy of bbhcert.org

Community Emergency Response Team

Since 9-11 our lives have changed. One of the positive aspects to come out of this tragedy is the spirit of our nation. Our greatest generation experienced this during WWII…rationing, being prepared and the willingness to serve within the community.
"Neighbors helping Neighbors"In the summer of 2006 we experienced a massive electrical power outage that affected 55 million people throughout the Northeast. Nation-wide, there were no riots, looting or increase in crime. Instead, people came together to provide care, comfort and compassion for their neighbor.
After recent events, such as Hurricane Katrina, we learned that recovery from a disaster, whether it's manmade or an act of nature begins within each community.Our community continues to prepare for such emergencies: planning, training and evaluating in order to respond to any incident in a quick and efficient manner. County-wide, cities are forming CERT teams (Community Emergency Response Team). These teams can be put into action quickly, already trained in the basics of disaster mitigation. Cuyahoga County Citizen Corps, which includes that county’s CERT Teams is one of 4 finalist to be recognized for a National Award.
Since our start in 2005, the Brecksville-Broadview Heights CERT Team has planned, trained for, and executed 6 major drills to plan for different types of potential callouts, from mass inoculations, mass dispensing, search and rescues, and tornado recovery. In addition to these trainings, we work with the local fire and police departments to assist in local events. The CERT Team meet monthly to go over general business, and then we have a training topic to continue our education and training. As of July, we currently have 111 that have completed all 8 modules of the FEMA training that is offered to all members. We will be having a new session of FEMA training on Saturdays September 19 and 26th 9-1pm at the Brecksville Fire Department. This training is open to all members of the community who are interested in being part of the CERT Team. To register please email cert@brecksville.oh.us or visit the CERT website at bbhcert.org

Want to Join Cert?
Volunteers will be the key to success. Volunteers are everyday people, of all ages*, interests, backgrounds and skills. Only with YOUR help as a Volunteer can we continue to grow and serve our community by having Citizen Emergency Response Team in place ready to help in an emergency.
If you have any questions concerning CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Team), please call the Brecksville Fire Department at (440)526-2640. You can also contact us by email at cert@brecksville.oh.us.
*Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Those under 18 must have parent approval or be accompanied by an adult.
All meetings are held at 7pm at the Brecksville Community Center