NEWINGTON
Town Crier Friday, March 1, 2013
A tough tourney
CERT-ified Residents jump at opportunity to join Community Emergency Response Team
Volunteer Fire and Human Services Departments, which are often Concerned citizens unite. overwhelmed with responsibilities More than 30 people showed during weather events. up to Town Hall Monday evening “Storm Alfred was probably our to express their interest in join- biggest wake-up call,” said Human ing Newington’s first-ever Community Emergency Response Team. Some were seniors looking for a productive way to spend their retirement, others were hoping to employ their knowledge in a specific aspect of emergency response. Former Newington Police Officer Services Director Karen Futoma, Meg Sautter gave a presentation on whose six-person staff runs the the ins-and-outs of CERT, a volun- town’s emergency shelter and assists teer team trained to assist emergency elderly and disabled residents who responders in case of disaster. need support in their homes. Sautter will serve as instructor “One of things we learned very of the 20-hour training program, quickly is that we can’t do it all,” she which includes 16 hours of class- added. room instruction and four hours of But residents showed they were hands-on preparation. willing to help out wherever possiThe team will aid the Newington ble, so Futoma took the initiative of By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER
formalizing their desire to volunteer with the creation of a CERT. Following their training this spring, team members will not only provide supplementary help to police and fire officials during emergencies, but also at town events like the Annual Extravaganza. “We’re looking into other ways of using them throughout the year,” Futoma explained. Assistance will include staffing shelters and flu clinics, shoveling sidewalks and distributing food, water and toiletries to snowbound elderly residents and much more.
If a disaster happens that overwhelms local response capability, CERT members can provide critical support until help arrives.
Volume 53, No. 9
Free
Saturday, March 23rd • 9:30 am Chippens Hill Middle School • 551 Peacedale Street, Bristol
A Traditional Event for Every Ability and Spirit! • 5 & 2 Mile Road Races • 2 Mile Fitness Walk • Kids Fun Run
Run RegistRation Fee includes:
Free T Shirt (first 3,000 pre-registered runners & walkers) • Lively Celtic Music • Electronic Chip Timing Water Stops • Baggage Storage
www.ctshamrockrun.com
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Annalisa Russell-Smith | Staff
Newington’s Jalen Middlebrooks takes a shot during the Indians’ 4125 loss to Southington in the Class LL State Tournament. See story and photos on Page 5.
See MORE THAN, Page 6
Online registration available at www.signmeup.com/88041