About the "Hamden Community Emergency Response Team" (CERT)

Hamden CERT Members are always encouraged to support emergency response agencies and community organizations by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in our community.

Our Vision

Using the skills and training learned in the classroom during exercises, CERT Members can assist their family members and others in their neighborhood or workplace following an emergency incident when Professional 1st Responders are not immediately available to help.

Our Mission

During emergencies, the mission of Hamden CERT is three-fold. 1st, to first assist Our Families, then 2nd, Our Neighbors and finally 3rd, Our community. After meeting the needs of our family and neighbors, our primary mission is to assist our Hamden Police and Fire Services along with our community during any extended emergency operation.

In non-emergencies, we operate as a team alongside our first responders, especially during large, planned public events. During large-scale emergencies that would deplete the on-duty personnel, we work to supplement them. Two of our major functions have been rehabilitation of our first responders because of extended operations during severe weather conditions and providing assistance to displaced citizens. "We are honored to be a division of the Hamden Fire Department and a major partner in the structure of Hamden’s Office of Emergency Management."

Hamden Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I become a CERT Member?

Contact the Hamden Fire Department at 203-407-5880 or via the webpage at www.hamdencert.com for becoming a team member.

How can I find out about upcoming classes and locations?

Visit the Hamden CERT Webpage about our 2 Basic CERT Classes that are held each year at the Dunbar Hill Fire Station #8. (www.hamdencert.com)

Next scheduled Basic Class will be February 2022!

How long are the classes?

There are 8 – 2.5-hour sessions that are held for each class. By FEMA Standards, each class must cover 20 hours of instruction for FEMA Certification.

Who teaches the classes & what subjects are involved with the CERT Program?

The classes are taught by Certified CERT Instructors & trained emergency personnel, including Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers and Emergency Medical Personnel. Training consists of:

Disaster Preparation/Emergency Management
Basic First Aid & Disaster First Aid & Triage
Disaster Psychology and Team Organization
Control of Home Utilities & Fire Suppression, Fire Extinguisher Training
Urban Search & Rescue, Logistical Support for Search Teams
Situation Awareness, Terrorism Awareness
Light Search & Rescue Operations
Course Review and Disaster Simulations

Who can take the training and are any special skills needed?

Any Hamden resident 18 years or older, neighborhood watch, community organization, place of worship, school staff, workplace employees and other groups may take the training. No special skills are required, just the willingness to learn the skills necessary to survive a disaster. All residents are encouraged to attend the training.

What is the cost for CERT Training?

CERT Training is provided free of charge within the state to anyone 18 years of age or older. (Must be 18 years of age by end of class, graduation)

Seasonal Activities

Spring Season - March to May

As the snow starts to melt and we head into spring we step up our preparation for the height of Flooding Season and prepare our Shelter Equipment and Supplies. We take our Monthly Training Sessions outside & introduce some of our newer members to our vehicle and equipment. Some of our major spring activations are for supporting: the Annual Earth Day Celebration, the Hamden Festival & Road Race, Food Truck Festivals, along with supplying logistical support for the Annual Memorial Day Parade!

Summer Season - June to September

With the days getting longer, we get busy with many preplanned events. With concerts, festivals and road races we are busy just about every week. Severe weather events are always a possibility and we remain ready for the likelihood of being activated for these emergencies. Sleeping Giant State Park. Lake Wintergreen, Brooksvale Park becomes very active with lost hikers and fall victims. We are always ready to serve our community and assist our 1st Responders for any activation that we are called for.