The Spalding County Office of Homeland Security in conjunction with the Spalding County Fire Department will be presenting a REFRESHER course for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program participants that have been through the initial program. This additional step will assist in the support of the working relationships between emergency services and the people they serve. The CERT Program educates people about disaster preparedness when hazards impact their area and trains individuals in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. The CERT REFRESHER program will concentrate on emergency / disaster planning, safety and medical skills.

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. Organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to maximize effectiveness. The REFRESHER training will assist in enhancing the importance of an ongoing training program and the need for continual planning.

CERT training classes are scheduled for 3 weeks to begin on September 10, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Fire and EMA Administrative Complex, 1005 Memorial Drive, Griffin, anyone interested in participating in these classes should contact:

Spalding County Office of Homeland Security (770) 228-2129