As part of National Preparedness Month, the Norwalk Department of Health is spotlighting a crucial part of its emergency preparedness division.

The Public Health Emergency Preparedness Division is ready to respond to any type of emergency, including train derailments, bioterrorist attacks or an extreme weather event.

In addition to the health department staff, the team has also recruited a group of volunteers. The volunteers are part of the health department's Emergency Response Team.

The team is made up of people - with and without medical backgrounds - who live in Norwalk and surrounding communities. The team now has more than 200 members.

The health department continues to build the team. There are trainings twice a year for those who'd like to join.

If you'd like to become a part of the Emergency Response Team - click here.