By Betty Gandee

Local government agencies are essential when it comes to preparing for everyday emergencies, and during certain disasters the number of those needing help can overwhelm emergency services authorities.

That is where Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, comes in.  CERT is an all-risk, all-hazard training. It is designed to help protect yourself, your family, your neighbors, and your neighborhood in an emergency situation.

This is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations.  Most will respond to others in need without training, but training offered by CERT will teach individuals how to do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger. This training can be beneficial to all will teach you the following; how to manage utilities and put out small fires, how to treat for shock, open airways, and control bleeding, how to search/rescue victims safely, how to organize yourself and volunteers to work together efficiently, and how to collect disaster intelligence to support first responder efforts.

This training will take place on June 28 and 29, and is free of cost to the public. CERT is looking for new members, so if you have a strong desire to help your community and aide in disaster situations, this is for you.  You can contact Aiden Taylor, Program Coordinator, at 304-651-1733 or at ataylore911@gmail.com for more information about becoming a part of Clay County CERT.