CERT Training Builds Community Preparedness Across Washington County and Johnson City

Several members of the Washington County and Johnson City community are better prepared for whatever tomorrow may bring after completing Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) Saturday.

Washington County/Johnson City Emergency Management Agency (WCJCEMA) hosted the free training September 19. The class reached capacity following strong interest from community members wanting to become involved in CERT.

CERT gives community members practical skills they can use before, during and after emergencies. The program focuses on preparing individuals to safely help themselves, their families and their neighbors when professional responders may not be immediately available. FEMA’s CERT curriculum is designed around those same goals, teaching volunteers skills to address immediate community needs following a disaster.

Saturday’s training was also another step in WCJCEMA’s work to grow and strengthen its CERT program across Washington County and Johnson City.

By investing in community members before an emergency happens, WCJCEMA is building additional local capability that can support the community when it is needed most. The goal is simple: give people the training, knowledge and confidence to be ready to help when tomorrow doesn’t go as planned.

The strong response to Saturday’s class shows there is continued interest from people across the community who want to serve.

WCJCEMA plans to offer additional CERT training opportunities as the program continues to grow. Community members interested in future classes or becoming involved with CERT can learn more at www.wcjcema.org/cert.