Wilton CERT recently held a focused and highly practical Traffic Management Training Class, led by Tad Wampfler, Wilton CERT, Training Officer. All CERT members were invited, and the strong turnout reflected just how essential this skill set is as we enter our busiest season.

Why This Training Matters

From parades and community celebrations to unplanned incidents, CERT volunteers are often the first to help manage vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Getting it right isn’t optional—it’s critical. Effective traffic management keeps our teams safe, keeps the public safe, and keeps events running smoothly.

This session was built from updated material that reinforces CERT fundamentals while sharpening how we communicate, manage scenes, and operate within the chain of command. The training focused on practical, field ready techniques including:

• Effective communication and hand signals

• Safety and situational awareness

• Equipment usage and CERT safety attire

• Real world traffic flow scenarios

• Coordinating with Post Captains and other CERT members

Whether you’re brand new to CERT or a long serving veteran, this training delivered new information and—just as important—ensured that everyone is aligned and operating with the same expectations and methods. Consistency is what makes us effective as a team.

Supporting Both Post Captains and Volunteers

A major goal of this session was to strengthen how we work together:

• For Post Captains: Reinforcing the Standard Operating Procedures that help every post function safely and efficiently.

• For All CERT Volunteers: Helping members understand in advance what Post Captains will ask of them, no matter which post they’re assigned to.

Planned Event Topics Covered

Deployment Day for Planned Events – How do we?…

• Planning: Preparing and sizing up your post

• Post Captains: Leading your post team

• Flaggers: Using proper hand signals to direct traffic

• Communications: Radios, hands, voice, equipment

Key Points for Effective Traffic Management

• Think ahead

• Know what matters

• Size up your team

• Understand traffic flow

• Anticipate what could happen

• Stay visible

Summary: Our Job as Wilton CERTs

• Keep people safe

• Keep traffic moving

• Be alert

• Communicate clearly

• Be kind

• Be the calm in the chaos