FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2014
Contact:   Scott Salotto  (845) 638-5645  (C.E.)
                 Kathy Galione  (845) 708-7307 (Youth Bureau)

ROCKLAND COUNTY LAUNCHES COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM

NEW CITY, NY  --   Are you up for a challenge?  Rockland County's Department of Health, Youth Bureau and Office of Fire and Emergency Services have joined forces to launch an all-volunteer community response team to help neighbors during times of crisis, severe weather and natural disasters.

The Rockland Community Emergency Response Team (RCERT) will mobilize youth and adult volunteers age 14 and older to support and enhance the services of our first responders.  Students will train in fire safety, supply distribution, damage assessment, shelter assembly, neighborhood well-checks, light search and rescue and disaster medical operations.

"Preparedness and preplanning are essential tools in successfully responding to emergency situations," said County Executive Ed Day.  "The creation of the Rockland Community Emergency Response Team will empower our residents to safely and effectively help others during emergency situations.  It's all about neighbors helping neighbors."

In non-crisis times, volunteers will educate the community about disaster preparedness through coordination of public education campaigns and events.

Training will be provided for volunteers who successfully complete an application, background check and screening. The initial 20-30 hours of RCERT training is delivered over a period of two months.  Part One of training, Introduction to Emergency Preparedness, will be held on two upcoming dates: April 30 and May 21 from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Rockland County Fire Training Center in Pomona.  Fully trained RCERT members will graduate with a certificate of completion and become eligible for deployment and future training. Students may also facilitate public disaster preparedness education events. Certified members will volunteer up to 10 hours per month.

For an application or more information, e-mail rcamericorps@co.rockland.ny.us.  Applications can be acquired online at http://www.rocklandgov.com/departments/youth-bureau or by calling (845) 708-7307.