Dearborn Co. EMA Offering CERT Training Program

Press release from Dearborn County Emergency Management Agency  (Dearborn County, Ind.) - Following a disaster, community members may be on their own for a period of time because of the size of the area affected, lost communications, and impassable roads. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program supports local response capability by training volunteers to organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers at the disaster site, to provide immediate assistance to victims, to collect disaster intelligence to support responders’ efforts when they arrive, in addition to providing support services on multi-agency incidents like structure fires. In the classroom, participants learn about the hazards they face and ways to prepare for them. CERT members are taught. Skills learned can be used to help themselves, their loved ones, and their neighbors until help arrives. Dearborn County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) will be providing this training. Initial training consists of 21 hours of instruction on topics that include disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster psychology. Upon completion of the training, participants are encouraged to continue their involvement by participating in training activities and volunteering for projects that support Dearborn County EMA disaster preparedness and emergency management efforts. Dearborn County EMA’s CERT class will be on the following dates: February 26, 28, March 5, 7, 12, 14, 2018 (6:00-9:30 PM). Participants must attend all of the classes, have a valid driver’s license, and be able to pass a background check. Registration deadline is February 23, 2018. To register please e-mail ema@dearborncounty.in.gov or call the office at (812) 537-3971.