CERT Teams Launched in Orange Walk to Boost Disaster Readiness

Residents of northern Belize are now better equipped to respond to emergencies following the launch of Community Emergency Response Teams, or CERT, in two Orange Walk villages.  The initiative was officially introduced on Saturday, April 25, in the adjoining villages of San Antonio and Santa Cruz to strengthen community preparedness at the grassroots level.  The programme is being led by the National Emergency Management Organization under the Ministry of the Public Service and Disaster Risk Management and is designed to train community volunteers to respond effectively in times of crisis.  Through the CERT programme, residents are to receive hands-on instruction in disaster risk reduction, participatory risk assessments, CPR, basic first aid, search and rescue operations, fire safety, and shelter management. Upon completion, these trained volunteers will serve as a critical first line of response, providing immediate assistance before national emergency teams arrive.  The launch is particularly timely for these two communities that have historically been vulnerable to flooding. Officials say the programme is to improve coordination at the village level, reduce risks, and safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods during flood events and other emergencies.  Among those attending the launch were Minister of the Public Service and Disaster Risk Management, Henry Charles Usher, and Area Representative for Orange Walk North, Ramon Cervantes, both of whom underscored the importance of building resilient communities through training and preparedness.  With hurricane season approaching, the rollout of CERT in northern Belize is another way to empower communities to take an active role in disaster readiness and response.