Volunteer Response Team Completes Basic Training

Fayette County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is up and running.

Ten members completed the basic training course, which is designed to educate volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area. It also provides training in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

At the end of the 16-hour training, CERT team members participated in a live drill with the assistance of local “actors.” The drill consisted of a building search to locate victims of a tornado and treatment of the victims.

“CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks. It’s been a goal to get a program started here; I believe CERT teams can provide invaluable assistance in times of emergencies,” said Fayette County Chief of Emergency Management Craig Moreau.

The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985. There are over 2,700 local CERT programs nationwide.

Each is unique to its community and all are essential to building a culture of preparedness in the United States.

“Our first training class definitely won’t be the last. CERT programs can incorporate drills and exercises for hands on experience in real world situations. We want to build a robust team here, one we can call on for help in everything from parades and festivals, to health initiatives to major disasters. This is our community and we all need to be a part in keeping all of us safe,” Moreau said.