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Crime & Safety

Maplewood Residents Train to Help Out in Emergencies

Ten residents completed a two-month program taught by a Maplewood firefighter.

Disasters such as tornadoes or earthquakes can place heavy burdens on local police and fire departments. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training teaches citizens how to help out when disasters strike.

Ten Maplewood residents recently completed the two-month CERT program, and were given certificates of completion by Maplewood fire chief Terry Merrell during Tuesday's Maplewood City Council meeting.

The residents are:

  • Janet Rau
  • Catherine Newcome
  • Dan Walper
  • Mike Hoock
  • Maureen Hoock
  • Barry Mayer
  • Glenda Little
  • Michael McGee
  • Erica Greer
  • Virginia Greer

was the lead instructor.

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“The whole idea of the CERT program, is first you start with your house, then you work to your street, then you work from your street out to your neighborhood,” Wilcox said.

Residents learned basic first aid, how to put out a fire, how to shut off home utilities and how to keep calm in an emergency. They also put into practice everything they learned.

The group will get together every couple of months to practice what they have learned.

A spring CERT class will be scheduled depending on community interest. Please contact the at 314-646-3666, and ask to speak with firefighter Matthew Wilcox.

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