LDRNY Executive Director Dr. John J. Scibilia recently completed training in Nassau County, Long Island, for the Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) a program recently developed by FEMA. The emergency prepardedness program aims to help the country be ready to respond to all kinds of disasters. It trains people involved in disaster work to respond to help ease the burden of any potential disaster on first responders. Large numbers of victims, communication failures, and road blockages could prevent people from accessing 911 emergency services in a disaster, and people will have to rely on each other for life-saving and life-sustaining needs.

LDRNY Executive Director Dr. John J. Scibilia, left, is congratulated by Richard Rotanz, commissioner, Nassau County Office of Emergency Management; and Michael Arcari, Catholic Charities, Rockville Centre Diocese, at CERT graduation.

Scibilia was part of the first CERT graduating class in Nassau County. Thomas Suozzi, County Executive, said: “It is an honor and privilege to commend those who have shown exemplary service and have devoted their time and energy to our county. We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated individual working on our behalf.”

Offices of Emergency Management throughout the greater New York area are now ramping up their training delivery systems. To learn more about CERT, go to www.ldrny.org; click on “Be Prepared.” For more information about training available for you, contact John Scibilia at John@LDRNY.org.