Hamden CERT
Community Emergency Response Team
Serving the Community in the Land of
The Sleeping Giant since 2004
"We do what we do for a cause, not for applause!"
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Congratulations to Hamden CERT Class #12 on the Completion of Training and Graduation.
Graduation of Hamden CERT Class #12 took place on Thursday, November 16, 2017 The students started their training back in September and their training consisted of academic and practical training on how to make critical decisions during every day emergencies or at any major incident. Below are photos of some students during their 10 weeks of training. Congratulations on your completion of this Nationally Certified FEMA Course and thank you for your commitment and dedication to our community. We would also like to thank the members of Dunbar Hill Company #8 for the use of their facilities for this class and our regular ongoing activities.
Photo by Hamden CERT Member John Homer
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Youth Emergency Preparedness Training
Hamden CERT has had the privilege of teaching our Middle and High School Students the skills necessary to be prepared and assist their family and neighbors during any minor or large scale emergency.
Congratulations to:
Hamden High School Teen CERT Class #6
on your Graduation!
May 8, 2017
Hamden High School, Teen CERT Class #5
Graduates 11 Students
Over the last 3 years, more than three dozen students from Hamden High School and Hamden Middle School have Graduated from the 10-week, National Certified Teen CERT Program. During the after-school programs, the students have learned the necessary skills to help their families, neighbors and community during any emergency.
There have been 6 High School classes & 1 for the Middle School, joining the Hamden Teen CERT Program. The training was conducted by Certified Instructors from the Hamden CERT Program along with support from High School & Middle School Administrators.
The Hamden Program is one of only 3 in the state that has a Teen CERT Program and has graduated over 75 students from the program! The program has proved to be a steppingstone for previous graduates who expressed an interest in public safety, homeland security and the health care field.
Also, Hamden Middle School
Teen CERT Class #1 Graduates 14 Students
The training consisted of the basic CERT curriculum along with the training of how the Teen CERT members could assist their family, neighbors, their fellow school students. The program and instruction were tuned down to meet the needs of individuals in a younger age group, Middle School setting. Their training included Teamwork, Medical Operations, Fire & Home Safety & use of fire extinguishers.
The students were also introduced to the everyday operations of our local police & firefighters, also instructed in being aware of any suspicious activity during school sessions or any, out of the ordinary behavior near their school surroundings.
We hope that this program will lead to an interest in public safety, homeland security, law enforcement or the health care field.
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Our History of Service
Hamden CERT assisting our 1st Responders and Community during their history of Emergency Activations over the last 22 Years.
Over the last 21 years, Hamden’s CERT members have assisted our community during fires, hazardous material incidents, weather related emergencies, mountain search & rescues at Sleeping Giant State Park & emergency sheltering operations, in addition to the many planned community events during the year.
It was also an honor for the Hamden CERT members to assist at the K'leen Energy Explosion disaster for three days in Middletown, CT assisting with security & accountability back on
Sunday, February 7, 2010.
During Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011, we managed and operated our town’s emergency shelter at the Hamden High School for over 36 hours. A team of 17 members volunteered over 1200 collective hours of service over a four-day period! After the initial period of sheltering, our Team volunteered again during a three day P.O.D. (Point of Distribution), giving out water and food to displaced residents at the Miller Library and the Keefe Center. During Hurricane Sandy 2012, our team managed shelter operations for a three-day period. After the Tornado of May 15, 2018, our team staffed an Emergency Storm Center and Point of Distribution at West Woods School for the many victims who suffered severe property damage and loss of utilities for many weeks. Hundreds of gallons of potable water, cases of drinking water, non perishable foods along with electronic and phone charging stations were provided to the many residents who were impacted.
Our team members totaled over 323 service hours during this 3 day operation.
During the early months of 2020, we found ourselves in the heart of The COVID-19 Pandemic, which has changed our lives forever. Starting in mid-March, Hamden CERT Members assisted Hamden Public Schools and Hamden Community Services and gave logistical support to provide Points of Distribution (POD's) for food and grocery items. During tis crisis, acting as members of Hamden Emergency Management, we set up another weekly POD for protective equipment (face masks & thermal thermometers) for small business owners! Our members also provided deliveries of grocery items to homebound elderly residents. In conjunction with Hamden Elderly Services, these deliveries became a weekly routine.
Over a 16 week period, Hamden CERT Members volunteered over 900 Service Hours to assist these town agencies along with our community during the national emergency.
Hamden CERT Services are provided to our community on a totally volunteer basis 24/7 at no cost to the taxpayers. We strive to make a difference in our community and to provide our support when the need is the greatest. Our Team is made up of many different individuals with a variety of different qualifications.
The one common thread is that we all benefit from serving our neighbors and residents when the need is paramount. While doing this, it is always an honor to work alongside our Professional Police and Fire Personnel who are dedicated to our safety and to a better life for all of us.