The Spalding County Office of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Spalding County Fire Department, will offer the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program to Spalding County Citizens. This program is designed to promote education, cooperation and understanding between emergency service agencies and the people we serve. The CERT Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and provides them with the basic disaster response skills which include fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

CERT is about being prepared, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT relays a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations for citizens who may be on their own during the initial moments of a disaster. Knowing the right actions to take can make a difference.

Through CERT training, citizens can learn to manage utilities and put out small fires; cope with life-threatening injuries by opening airways, controlling bleeding and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective.

CERT training classes are scheduled to begin on January 22, 2018 if you are interested in participating in these classes you need to contact:

Spalding County Office of Homeland Security (770) 228-2129