STAFF REPORT :::
The Spalding County Office of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Spalding County Fire Department, will offer training to Spalding County citizens through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.
This program is designed to promote understand and cooperation between emergency services and the people they serve. The CERT Program educates individuals on how to be prepared for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.
CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations for citizens who may be on their own during the initial moments of a disaster.
Knowing the right actions to take can make a difference. Through CERT training, citizens can learn to manage utilities and put out small fires; cope with the three life-threatening injuries by opening airways, controlling bleeding and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to maximize effectiveness.
The Spalding County Office of Homeland Security is seeking interested participants to participate in a six-week program scheduled to begin on September 10. Classes will be held weekly from 6 to 9 p.m.
A refresher course will also be offered to residents who previously completed the initial CERT program.
This course will assist in the support of the working relationships between emergency services and the people they serve. The refresher training will assist in enhancing the importance of an ongoing training program and the need for continual planning.
CERT refresher training classes are scheduled for three weeks to begin Sept. 10 and will be held weekly from 2 to 5 p.m.
Both CERT and CERT refresher classes will be held at the Fire and EMA Administrative Complex located at 1005 Memorial Drive.
Those interested in participating in these classes should contact the Spalding County Office of Homeland Security at 770.228.2129.