The Newport News Division of Emergency Management is seeking volunteers to assist with its emergency pet sheltering operations. Interested citizens must complete the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) curriculum, plus take an additional course to learn pet sheltering operations. If emergency shelters are activated during a disaster, these specialized CERT team members would be asked to help in the registration process at shelters and assist in monitoring the pet shelter until it is closed. Only cats and dogs can be accommodated in these pet-friendly shelters.

Anyone interested in joining this specialized CERT team should contact Dana Perry, CERT Coordinator and Emergency Operations Technician, at 269-2904 or by e-mail at dperry@nngov.com.

Enrollment for these nine classes is currently underway with the course to begin in late summer or early fall 2010.  The course is free and all participants must pass a criminal history background check and be at least eighteen years old with no pet allergies.