Somers C.E.R.T. Promotes a Culture of Preparedness

SOMERS COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT)

PROMOTES A CULTURE OF PREPAREDNESS

COME WEAK AND WEARY – SEEK SHELTER FROM THE STORM

Wednesday, October 16, 2019, Somers Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members participated in a joint emergency shelter simulation exercise at Somers High School, the designated location for residents who are displaced and need a safe place to stay during an emergency event. CERT members arrived at 6:00 p.m. and the public participated in the event from 7:00 - 7:45 p.m.

“We simulated the opening of the shelter for a major emergency such as a blizzard, hurricane, or tornado,” informed CERT Team Leader Karen Hocking. “We set up the shelter for pets and people the way we would for real,” she added.

Somers acting Emergency Management Director Jeff Bord and CERT Team Leader Karen Hocking led the simulation exercise supported by their specialized team comprised of town officials (e.g. Town Clerk, Public Works, and Animal Control), police officers, firefighters, teachers and other skilled professionals. CERT members set up a mini version of the shelter to include an administrative and management structure, played roles of citizens needing shelter (to include
their “domestic” pets), and ran through problem scenarios.

“We had community members participate -- pretending that they were coming to the shelter to stay,” said Hocking. “Some came as families, some by themselves, some with pets,” she added. “It gives us a chance to practice, learn and improve on operating a shelter, so if it happens for real – we are ready!”

An after-action review (AAR) concluded the activity. CERT’s AAR summarized the exercise
events and analyzed performance of the tasks identified as important during the planning process, assessing team members’ performance effectiveness.

CERT has conducted shelter drills here in Somers since the CERT began in 2010, stated founding CERT member/Shelter Manager and Somers' Town Clerk of 18-years, Ann Logan. “We are concerned about our people here in Somers,” remarked Logan. “We pride ourselves in constantly learning and improving so we can function in an emergency,” she added. “I have a passion for helping our town’s people and I love what I do,” exclaimed Logan.

There are approximately 15 active members of Somers CERT. CERT members who participated in the October 16, 2019 drill included: Karen Hocking, Jeff Bord, Eric Boucher, Todd Rolland, Paula LaFrance, Bill Hocking, Ann Logan, Ann Levesque, Frank Poirier, Dave Dunn and Pat Loftus. Somers’ Fire Chief, John Roache, a member of the Somers Emergency Management Team, also participated in the exercise.

**All Somers CERT members are DHS and FEMA certified emergency response volunteers. Training for new volunteers will be scheduled once a full class of at least 10 is achieved. Register NOW or inquire further about the training by sending an email request to Ms. Karen Hocking at kjhock53@cox.net. Be an AWE-SO-AMAZING volunteer!!