Local governments prepare every day for emergencies. During a disaster, however, the number and scope of incidents can overwhelm conventional emergency services, which is why Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is important.
This risk and hazard awareness training is available at no cost through Whitfield County Emergency Management and is designed to help you protect yourself, your family and your immediate community in the event of a major situation in your neighborhood. To date, 226 residents have completed CERT training in previous sessions, and Whitfield Emergency Management is looking for another group to take part in CERT Academy 13 in November. Officials have set Academy 13 for Thursday, Nov. 5 from 6-10 p.m., and Saturday & Sunda, Nov. 7-8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens may initially be on their own and their actions can and do make a difference,” said Jeff Ownby, deputy director of Whitfield Emergency Management. “While people will respond to others in need without the training, one goal of the CERT program is to help them do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger, therefore minimizing their risk of bodily injury and simply becoming another victim.”
Participants will be trained in Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety and Fire Extinguishers, First Aid and Disaster Medical, Light Search and Rescue, Incident Command, Disaster Psychology, Terrorism Awareness, and more.The course is free to residents of Whitfield County. Attendees must complete all three days of training to complete the course successfully.
Interested citizens can register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CERTAcademy13Registration. For more information, contact Whitfield EMA at 706-259-3730 or cert@whitfieldcountyga.com.