Community Emergency Response Team is a national program under FEMA which educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the unique hazards that may occur where they live. It offers a “consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization” that city and county law enforcement, fire departments and emergency response personnel can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on the emergency.

At this time, throughout the state and the entire country, there is an increased interest from citizens looking for opportunities to raise their level of disaster preparedness and response skills. An upcoming Teller County CERT Basic Training Course in basic disaster response skills is an all-risk, all hazard training where volunteers will learn disaster preparedness and response skills.

Training course dates are: Apr. 23-25 from 6-9 p.m. and Apr. 27 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To register: call 719-304-5803 or email TellerCountyCERTprogram@gmail.com

The Southwest Teller County EMS at 700 North A Street in Cripple Creek will host the training.

The CERT basic training includes research-validated guidance for CERT programs to teach members what to do before, during and after the hazards their communities may face.

The four-day course provides free training in areas such as:

How to prepare for disasters

Types of hazards

Fire safety (fire extinguisher training)

Light search and rescue

Medical Assessments and Triage

Door Breaching

Techniques for Debris Removal

Teamwork and Organization

Administration

Once the initial training is completed, volunteers are eligible for additional skills training on a monthly basis to establish relationships with team members to practice, assess and improve emergency response plans and on-the-ground operations.

In addition, teens are invited to an 18-hour CERT opportunity where they can support a school’s emergency operations plan and assist emergency services personnel, to provide valuable surge capacity to local first responders when needed.

According to the fema.gov website, “CERT is essential to building a Culture of Preparedness in the United States. Local efforts are essential in training and preparing our communities and residents for a myriad of potential Colorado disasters.”