Within a week of the one year anniversary of the 2008 Ice Storm that paralyzed southern New Hampshire, 15 volunteers from Londonderry ALERT participated in a 8 hour Red Cross Shelter Training Exercise. Also attending the training was Suzanne Roy an administrator with the Londonderry Fire Department and two Red Cross employees. Fran Lusardi from Goffstown who helped with the shelter during last year’s ice storm attended as well, she hoped to be able to assist with other shelters in the future.

Training was provided by John More and his wife who have been training teams like this for the past 15 years . The purpose of this training was to give more knowledge of how a shelter is run so that the members of ALERT can assist with the day to day operations of a Red Cross Shelter. During last year’s ice storm ALERT had members clearing roads, manning post at closed roads and helping with the shelter. Since then membership has increased and we have formed a communication committee with 12 licensed armature radio operators” according to Rich Semeski, ALERT’s vice president and training coordinator, he also states that training like this is critical for the group to assist in a time of need. They hope to continue their training with Physiological First Aid and similar training offered by the Red Cross. In the near future they plan to do a mock shelter exercise to better plan for a disaster similar to last year’s ice storm.

This past weekend ALERT conducted a CPR/ First Aid and AED training for our members and the general public. We had 20 members attend with five of them being new. Gene Heighton from Citizens Corp with the assistance from ALERT training coordinator Rich Semaski conducted the 7 hour course. A great big thanks to the trainers and all the members that attended this very critical training. The CPR/First Aid and AEDs training is scheduled yearly and is required training for ALERT members.

Gene Heighton and Rich Semaski

Saturday November 14th ALERT will be undergoing First Aid and CPR training. Non ALERT members can register for this class with a $25 fee however space is limited, if you are interested please contact Rich Semaski the ALERT training coordinator at

The training will take place at the Mathew Thornton Elementary school Gymnasium, arrival at 0745 Class will start at 0800 and last until around 1500 or so.
Lunch will be provided.
Dress comfortably for training activities.
ALERT strives to be an asset to our community through continued training and readiness.