The Spalding County Office of Homeland Security / Emergency Management in conjunction with the Spalding County Fire Department will be presenting the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program. The purpose of this program is to promote understanding between emergency service providers and the people they serve. The CERT Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact the area and and offers training 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 teaches a positive and realistic approach to handling 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 will learn to manage utilities and put out small fires. They will be walked through the steps to cope with the three life-threatening injuries by opening airways, controlling bleeding and treating for shock. In addition to learning how to provide basic medical aid, they will be instructed in how to search for and rescue victims safely and how to organize themselves and a spontaneous group of volunteers effectively.

We are in the process of placing interested participants on a roster. The 6-week program is scheduled to begin on Monday, February 11, 2019 and will meet on Monday nights from 6 pm-9 pm.

Anyone interested in signing up for these classes or if you have any questions, please contact the:

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