West Hartford's 'Emergency Preparedness Day' Offers Fun, Life-Saving Info

Town of West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — September is National Preparedness Month, and the Town of West Hartford is hosting a special event with that in mind.

The town's annual "Community Preparedness Day" will take place Saturday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Hartford Town Hall's parking lot, 50 S. Main St.

It will feature preparedness information, free giveaways, hands-only CPR and AED training, Touch-A-Truck, and free Vision Zero reflective vests and armbands.

Residents will also be able to register for the town’s emergency notifications.

The West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District will offer flu shots. Flu vaccines are available for individuals aged 4 years and older, including a high-dose vaccine for those aged 65 and older.

Guests will also see a simulation of a teen's bedroom to help prepare parents to determine if their teen is abusing drugs or alcohol.

"Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS)" is a drug prevention program designed to educate parents, teachers, and other caregivers on the warning signs of substance abuse.

The central element of the program is a full-scale display of a teenager's room, filled with items that can be used to hide drugs, alcohol, or paraphernalia.

Participants are encouraged to inspect the room to find the concealed items.

Attendees can also learn more about West Hartford’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and register for the fall six-week basic training class, which begins Saturday, Oct. 11. The training is free. Registration is required. Visit westhartfordct.gov/cert.

Participating agencies include the Office of Emergency Management, West Hartford Fire Department, West Hartford Police Department, West Hartford Public Works, West Hartford-Bloomfield Health Department, West Hartford Animal Control, West Hartford Prevention Partnership, and the West Hartford Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

For more information on Community Preparedness Day, the upcoming CERT class, or preparedness, contact the Office of Emergency Management at OEM@westhartfordct.gov or call 860-561-8310. To learn more about National Preparedness Month, visit ready.gov/september.