Maggie Behringer
Correspondent
DALTON, Ga. — A new training program piloted by Whitfield County’s Office of Emergency Management is teaching 21 local residents to face disasters with skills that could save themselves, their families and their neighbors.
The first class is having its graduation test today: a mock disaster at a Dalton fire station where students demonstrate the skills they have learned.
“Most important is the fact that we’re helping the community take care of itself,” said Emergency Services Director Jeffrey Putnam.
Training for the Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, is a federally funded three-week course that teaches citizens how to react to and handle the immediate effects of a disaster until professional help arrives.
Cities and towns in 28 states have functioning CERT operations.
Catoosa County’s program began in January, and its second class graduated in May, said organizer Darryl Camp. The next class is scheduled for August.
“To me, it’s neighbors helping neighbors,” Mr. Camp said. “If a major disaster happens and you live out in a rural area, fire, EMS and police may be busy and may not get to you immediately.”
Carla Kelly, Whitfield County’s CERT instructor, said the Georgia Emergency Management Agency spearheaded an effort in 2008 that has doubled the number of CERT programs in the state.
“This is the very first building-block class,” she said.
TO LEARN MOREContact other area CERT programs:* Catoosa County, 423-785-7514, dcamp@hutcheson.org* Gordon County, 706-766-280, www.gordoncountycert.comLearn more about the CERT program:* www.citizencorps.gov/cert/about.shtm
Split between Thursday evening classroom meetings and Saturday morning field work, students trained in disaster preparedness, fire suppression, first aid, search and rescue, disaster psychology, team organization and exchanging vital information with emergency services.
Of the nine CERT units, Ms. Kelly teaches only two by herself. Professionals from other emergency services join her for hands-on demonstrations and training.
“The more people that have knowledge to take care of themselves, that’s less that we have to respond to immediately so we can deal more with the main disaster,” said Whitfield County Fire Chief Carl Collins.
Officials hope to develop CERT-trained groups all over Whitfield County.
“Public safety can easily get overrun in the event of a disaster,” Mr. Putnam said. “(CERT) gives us a little more breathing room.”
Maggie Behringer writes about Whitfield County. Contact her at maggie.behringer@gmail.com.