Shelby County’s free class in preparing to handle disasters is well worth the time. Without a warning, life as you know it can change during a disaster. You may be left on your own for a period of time. Are you prepared to survive until emergency agencies arrive on the scene?
Director Dale Lane, Shelby County Office of Preparedness (SCOP), said, “During a disaster, our staff will be doing all we can to coordinate the response. However, citizens can assist greatly if they are personally prepared at home and at work. That team effort will help us all get back to normal sooner and safer.”
SCOP is offering free disaster preparedness training in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class, coordinated by Eugene Jones. CERT teaches citizens to know what to do before, during, and after a disaster. Modules include:
- Triage and first aid
- Fire suppression
- Psychology
- Hazardous materials
- Light search and rescue
- Preparation
- Terrorism
At the conclusion of the training, students participate in a mock disaster scenario, putting what they have learned into action. Graduates leave with a new skill set, and they build self-confidence that they will survive a disaster. Graduates receive a CERT manual, an ID card and a certificate good for two years. Students under 18 should be accompanied by an adult.
SCOP is located at 1075 Mullins Station Road, Memphis. The office’s website is staysafeshelby.us.
The next CERT class is 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on April 18 and 25. To register, email Sandra Mathias, reserve manager, at mathiassl@bellsouth.net.
