Free program in Plainfield teaches disaster preparedness for all hazards

Pam Angelus praised all the help the Plainfield Community Emergency Response Team has given to Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Angelus also hopes more people in the community might be interested in registering for this fall’s free, seven-session CERT classes and become part of the 2021 Community Emergency Response Team.

In an email, Angelus said members of the CERT team helped out when St. Mary hosted mobile food pantries, which often brought out 500 attendees at each event during the past year, Angelus said.

Angelus said members of the CERT team still come out to the monthly events to organize the vehicles, making certain everyone stays safe and that the parking lot has room for emergency vehicles if need be. She feels the program is worthwhile.

“They really get a lot out of the class and will be ready to serve in time of need,” Angelus said in the email.

The CERT team through the Plainfield Police Department, trains people 18 and up (or 17 with a parent) in disaster preparedness and “vital response skills,” according to a news release from the village of Plainfield

Some of the skills people will learn include fire suppression, first aid treatments, medical operations, search and rescue skills, team organization and disaster psychology, the release said.

The classes are from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 7 through Oct. 19. An informational session will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 31.

Both the classes and the informational session will be held at the Plainfield Police Law Enforcement Center, lower level training room, 14300 S. Coil Plus Drive, Plainfield.

To register or for more information, contact Amy Altenbern at cert@plainfieldema.org or 630-853-4878 regarding any questions.