Community Emergency Response Program

In an effort to enhance personal emergency awareness and preparedness, Lakes Region Partnership for Public Health is offering Community Emergency Response courses to Lakes Region residents, faith based communities, neighborhood associations, and businesses.

During the free eight week course, participants learn how to care for themselves, their families, neighbors and colleagues before immediate help arrives in emergency situations. Class topics include disaster preparedness, first aid, CPR, team organization, light search and rescue, fire safety, disaster psychology and safety strategies with terror attacks. Guest instructors include local responders and experts from the field.

Those who successfully complete training may apply to become a member of the Lakes Region Community Emergency Response Team (LR-CERT), which assists and supports local fire and police departments in the event of an emergency. LR-CERT Members were “an invaluable asset” during the Patriots Day 2007 Floods to the Laconia Police Department, according to Police Chief Tom Oetinger. LR-CERT members were used to direct traffic at intersections which were flooded or blocked by downed trees, alleviating police officers for more pressing matters. LR-CERT members have also been activated to assist with traffic control during Motorcycle Weekend.

CERT training is free and application to the LR-CERT team is not required. All Lakes Region residents are encouraged to enroll in Community Emergency Response training to improve awareness of possible emergencies – from a car accident, kitchen fire, and flood to pandemic – and learn how to respond to them.

For more information on the Community Emergency Response Program, classes, or LR-CERT, please contact Samantha Brann, Coordinator of Volunteers at 528-2145.