In large-scale disaster events, citizens are the true “first responders.” Disasters may quickly overwhelm traditional emergency services, including fire and police departments, so it is critical for neighbors to help neighbors in these moments of need.
There are specific skills you can learn to help you to become a better responder, whether in a major disaster or just in your daily life, including:
- First aid
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Basic fire suppression
- Light search and rescue
- Ham radio operation
American Red Cross Health and Safety Training
The American Red Cross provides Health and Safety Training to help citizens prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters. You can take classes to learn each of the following disaster-related skills:
- First aid
- CPR
- Automated external defibrillator (AED) use
- Pet first aid
To find American Red Cross classes that are convenient to your specific location, visit the American Red Cross Course Locator.
CTSART Regional Animal Response Teams
The Connecticut State Animal Response Team (CTSART) program is a collaboration among government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, industry, and volunteers for preparing and responding to animal needs in disasters. It is a public-private partnership, organized to prepare our state for any disaster that involves domestic animals in Connecticut.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit their website.
