August 26 Is Deadline To Sign Up For CERT Training

August 17, 2011

Hanover Fire/EMS offers a special class to help you become prepared to help others and yourself in the event of an emergency or disaster. The class is called CERT, which stands for Community Emergency Response Teams, and you’re invited to sign up! Please sign up by Friday, August 26, at 4:30 p.m. for the next classes, which begins September 7.

Classes will be held on Wednesday nights from approximately 6-9 p.m. at the Harman-Taylor Fire/EMS Training Center west of Ashland. Classes are taught by professionals from Hanover Fire/EMS, the American Red Cross and other agencies active in emergency preparedness.

Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services will not be able to reach everyone. People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet immediate lifesaving and life-sustaining needs. CERT members will be trained to help fill that need in the community.

These students completed seven sessions covering various aspects of preparation for a disaster in their community, including providing medical assistance to victims and, light search and rescue operations and disaster psychology and team organization.

Through CERT, citizens learn skills and concepts that prepare them to assist victims, organize volunteers and help their neighborhoods recover in the aftermath of a disaster. CERT also teaches people how to prepare their homes, their families and their communities to reduce the impact of a disaster.

If you would like to sign up for the CERT class which begins on September 7, or would like to have more information about this opportunity, please call Kristi Wilcox at 804-798-7864 or e-mail her at kcwilcox@co.hanover.va.us by August 26.