Community Emergency Response Team
About Us
The CERT program starts by teaching citizens how to prepare and respond to possible disasters that may affect Barrow County. The CERT classes teach students in areas such as disaster preparedness, search and rescue, medical operations and many other subjects. It is taught by CERT team training members and Barrow County Emergency Services personnel. It teaches students how to first take care of themselves and their families then help their neighbors if a disaster hits. After graduating, students can join the CERT team in Barrow County. CERT volunteers work special events and occasionally work with local public safety agencies.
Since 1993, CERT has impacted communities across the country, building essentials skills and capabilities to prepare for and respond to any disaster. There are now CERT programs in all 50 states, including many tribal nations and U.S. territories; each unique to its community but all essential to building a Culture of Preparedness.
The CERT program was designed as a grassroots initiative and specifically structured so that the local and state program managers have the flexibility to form their programs in the way that best suits their communities. CERT volunteers are trained to respond safely, responsibly, and effectively to emergency situations, but they can also support their communities during non-emergency events as well. There are over 2,700 local CERT programs nationwide, with more than 600,000 individuals trained since CERT became a national program.
FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team Program trains volunteers to prepare for the types of disasters that their community may face. Through hands-on practice and realistic exercises, CERT members:
- Learn how to safely respond to man made and natural hazards
- Help organize basic disaster response
- Promote preparedness by hosting and participating in community events
If you would like to JOIN CERT or need more information about the CERT program in Barrow County, please contact Penny Clack-GA-PCEM, EMA Director at pclack@barrowga.org or phone 770-307-2987.
Copyright Barrow County C.E.R.T. – All rights reserved
Barrow County C.E.R.T. 