Free emergency response training available for DeKalb residents

DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency is hosting two free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Workshops. 

The first nine-week workshop begins on July 10 and will be held on Tuesday from 7–9:30 p.m. at DeKalb Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker.

A second nine-week CERT workshop for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, with certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, begins on July 12 and will be held on Thursdays from 7–9:30 p.m. at DeKalb Fire Rescue Headquarters.

Participants of the DeKalb CERT program coordinate their response during the search and rescue exercise.

Participants learn what to do before, during and after a disaster occurs. The workshop will also train citizens to care for family members and neighbors.

Course topics include:

•     Disaster preparedness

•     Basic fire suppression

•     Medical operations

•     Light search and rescue operations

•     Disaster psychology

•     Team organization and terrorism

•     Autism awareness

Participants in the DeKalb CERT program practice basic first aid skills learned in the workshop.

The workshop is free for DeKalb County citizens and all participants must pass a background check. To register, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/dema and click the “Community Emergency Response Team” menu option. For more information, contact Emergency Management Specialist Thomas Paige at tpaige@dekalbcountyga.gov or 678-406-7858.