Seven Community Emergency Response Teams Graduate

 

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta addresses the graduating CERT members.

Seven Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), including 159 volunteers hailing from all five boroughs, graduated during a ceremony at FDNY Headquarters on July 24.

The federal program trains community members to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies in their neighborhoods.

“I know the excellent work you do, because I have seen you out there responding to real emergencies,” said Deputy Mayor Ed Skyler, who noted he has seen CERTs assisting at the Upper East Side crane collapse and the blackout in Queens.

Numerous fire and EMS officers serve as instructors for the 11-week program, which teaches volunteers about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

“As you know, this city is unpredictable and ever-changing, so your preparation and knowledge is critical - not only in responding to emergencies, but also in helping prevent them in the first place,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta.

CERTs were first organized in New York City five years ago by the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Today the city has 63 teams, with more than 1,000 members.

“All of us, and the people of this great city, appreciate what you do,” said OEM Commissioner Joseph Bruno.