September is National Preparedness Month, when officials around the country urge Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities. The Norwalk Health Department also works closely with other state and local officials to plan and prepare for public health emergencies in Norwalk, and you can join our team!

The Health Department is recruiting the next cohort of Emergency Response Team (ERT) volunteers, people with both medical and non-medical backgrounds who donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies and to promote healthy living year-round.

“Over the course of the past year, we’ve recruited and trained a fantastic group of people to serve on our Emergency Response Team,” said Theresa Argondezzi, MPH, CHES, Acting Director of Health for the City of Norwalk. “We are looking for more people to join the team to help us deliver the best possible care in a public health emergency.”

The goal of the ERT is to extend the resources of the professional Health Department staff. ERT volunteers work with public health officials to spread preparedness messages within the community and assist with other public health programs and events. The Health Department provides training and insurance, while volunteers provide their time and skills.

If you are an adult who lives or works in the Norwalk or New Canaan area and would like to learn more about the ERT, help others, and give back to your community, the new cohort of volunteers is starting soon! Group interviews will be held on September 27 at 7 PM, September 29 at 10 AM, and October 3 at 6:15 PM, and training starts October 3. Advanced registration is required. Call (203) 854-7979 or email dschlegel@norwalkct.org to register or learn more.

For more information about how you and your family can prepare for emergencies, visit www.ready.gov.