Register now for Westshore’s Community Emergency Response Team courses

ROCKY RIVER, Ohio — Westshore’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) courses were closed during the pandemic, but are returning, according to Julie Morron, Westshore CERT coordinator.

“We were finally able to schedule a CERT meeting,” Morron said. “It’s been a long time since our group had the opportunity to get together.”

The first class will be at 6 p.m. on May 18, but the location has changed. Instead of the old Westlake location, classes will now be held at the new Rocky River Police Station.

For the first course, Rocky River Fire Chief Aaron Lenart will be the guest speaker. He will conduct incident command center training, Morron said.

WCERT serves the communities of Bay Village, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Rocky River and Westlake. The volunteer-based organization supports security forces and first responders in its cities to “help prevent, prepare for, mitigate and respond to emergencies and disasters.”

Additionally, those who take CERT courses can learn how to help their families, neighbors and co-workers “in the aftermath of a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available.”

Participants can also take an active role in community preparedness projects and events. Recently, a team of volunteers participated in a mock drill at Lakewood High School playing the role of gunshot victims to help train first responders.

The CERT organization is sponsored by the Westshore Council of Governments.

To join CERT group classes, call Morron at 440-331-1234, ext. 2151, or email him at [email protected].

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