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Learn about disaster preparedness through Bedford CERT program

Goffstown’s former Community Emergency Response Team training officer, Ron Michaud, is known as “The Water Boy.”

“During emergency floods, I would fill up the back of my truck with gallons of water and pass them out to workers along the Piscataquog River,” said Michaud, a Manchester native. “That’s how I got the nickname.”

About a year ago, Michaud and his wife moved from Goffstown to Bedford. In August, Michaud began forming a Community Emergency Response Team in Bedford.

“I had to bring CERT with me. I believe every community should have one,” Michaud said.

According to www.citizencorps.gov/cert, “The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.” CERT is a volunteer-run program that works closely with Homeland Security and state fire academies.

The Bedford CERT classes are free and will begin this spring. Classes will cover nine topics, ranging from disaster preparedness and fire safety to disaster psychology and animal rescue. According to Michaud, the class time totals approximately 22 hours, and classes will incorporate lectures and hands-on training. According to Michaud, the Bedford CERT basic training program currently has 11 team members enrolled and hopes to get 22.

The Bedford CERT program will team up with the Bedford police and fire departments.

“Our goal is to aid, not control, whatever the Bedford Police and Fire departments need,” Michaud said. “Since 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, there’s a big need for volunteers.”

Michaud signed up for a membership with the Goffstown CERT team and underwent training in 2005. He then became a training officer and helped certify other Goffstown residents.

Some of the disasters Michaud responded to were the Goffstown floods in 2006 and 2007 and recent ice storms. During power outages, Michaud would help set up shelters at schools or pass out water bottles to workers. “As long as there is enough interest, I’m willing to run more classes.” Michaud said. Michaud also said there is room for people of all talents and comfort levels. However, much of the CERT program helps team members overcome their fears.

Bedford basic training courses for the CERT program will begin April 24 and run 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through May 17 at the Bedford Safety Complex. The town will be offering CERT classes free of charge. Interested applicants can email Ron Michaud at bedfordcert@comcast.net.

“It’s about helping” Michaud said. “It really makes you feel good.”

Katelyn Dobbs can be reached at 594-6549 or kdobbs@nashuatelegraph.com.