PRESS RELEASE

HELPING DURING THE WORST OF TIMES

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a group of volunteers who dedicate themselves to help the community during the worst of times such as wildfires, earthquakes, or floods. The CERT program offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.

Recently, members of the Washoe County Sheriff’s CERT program participated in simulated emergency response situations designed to hone their skills in an emergency situation at the Regional Public Safety Training Center. Part of this training dealt with understanding the unique environment of the railroad infrastructure.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office Rail Auxiliary Team (RAT Pack) discussed how to operate and stay safe around the railroad tracks. Topics included the Emergency Notification System, railroad mileposts and railcar identification. The RAT Pack also pointed out how local first responders will effectively work with the railroad’s HAZMAT team in the unlikely event of a derailment.

Helping their community in all situations, to include the railroad environment, is crucial for CERT to operate in a high stress environment to free up first responders to deal with the more complex situations.

If you are interested in joining the Washoe County CERT program or become a member of the Washoe County Sheriff's Rail Auxiliary Team contact Joe Olaciregui, CCP Coordinator at J[email protected] or (775) 325-6928.