Report by Paula Antolini
March 7, 2018 9:56PM EDT
Bethel Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Will Distribute Water Bottles with Disaster Plan Message
Team members from the Bethel Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) spent time last week at their meeting at the Stony Hill Fire Department, wrapping water bottles with a flyer that contains information you will need in the event of an emergency.
The CERT members will soon be out and about Bethel delivering these water bottles with a message about a disaster readiness plan. (They were planning it sooner but the storm arrived!) Are you prepared in the event of an emergency?
The bottle project is a way for CERT to get the message out about the importance of having enough water in the event of a disaster.
The flyer on each water bottle also includes a list of basic needs that should be part of everyone’s preparedness plan.
CERT hopes that the bottles will help to educate the public on the importance of being prepared. The public will also be reminded that there is the regional Red Cross shelter in Bethel.
The bottles will also will be distributed at CERT-attended events in the coming months.
CERT Coordinator Teresa Fogel created the project and Stony Hill Fire Chief Tom Galliford obtained the materials.
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The message from CERT is:
“We are your neighbors and volunteer members of Bethel’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). We’re leaving this free bottle of water with our neighbors to remind them that putting aside a supply of water, food and essentials is always a good idea for every family. Of course, if there should be a need, the Red Cross would open a Regional shelter at the Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center as they have in the past. But if you and your family could not reach the shelter right away, we’re sure you’d be glad you had some extra supplies on hand. Most of us have an extra supply of food and canned goods in our pantries, but water is a real essential. A $4 flat of water stored in your home provides a good level of extra security.
“If you’d like more information on what to do in an emergency, or would like to become a volunteer in Bethel’s CERT program, just email us or give us a call.
Your Bethel CERT Team Members
Sponsored by the Office of Emergency Management
cert@bethel-ct.gov
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Basic Disaster Supply Kit:
To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffle bag.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
• Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
• Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio.
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries.
• Whistle to signal for help.
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter at home.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
• Manual can opener for food.
• Local maps.
• Cell phone with chargers and backup battery.
• Cash or travler’s checks.
• Prescription medications.
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxatives.
• Pet fod, leash and extra water for your pet(s).
• You may wish to add additional items for infants, children, or elderly family members.
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