When an emergency situation occurs, planning can make the difference between a disaster and an inconvenience.

If and when that time comes, the Weare CERT – Community Emergency Response Team – is there to help town residents.

CERT is an integrated part of Weare Citizen Corp Council and is part of Emergency Management during a declared town disaster or emergency.

Founded three years ago and currently funded with grants from Volunteer NH, the group is made up of a team of local residents who volunteer their time to assist with emergencies and to educate the public about disaster planning. CERT members are trained and certified to first help themselves, their families and then the community during times of emergencies or disasters.

“We’re not there to replace the Fire Department, but to help them,” said Peter Buono, director of Weare CERT. “One percent of the town’s population should volunteer, so at this point we should have 100 volunteers.” Currently, there are 15.

Members of the team include the police chief, town administrator, and selectmen, as well as local citizens and retirees.

A 20-hour FEMA training course is required for volunteer certification. This training includes basic first aid, fire suppression and search and rescue, and is offered at various times and locations.

Additional training includes Red Cross first aid, psychological first aid and CPR certification.

Weare CERT is prepared to staff and run two shelters at the Weare Middle School and John Stark Regional High School in the event of a town emergency.

E-mail membership@wearecert.org for additional training information.

The support group meets at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at Weare Middle School.

“All of our meetings are public, so everyone is welcome to attend to see what we’re all about,” said Buono.

A full criminal background and driving record check is performed prior to certification.

Teens younger than 18 are also invited to participate with parental consent.

For volunteer questions and inquiries, e-mail Buono at wearecert@comcast.net.