The Villages’ Community Emergency Response Team is seeking volunteers.
CERT is a nationwide organization that trains citizens about disaster preparedness as well as how to provide initial assistance to their families, neighbors and community during large medical emergencies and disasters (such as hurricanes and tornadoes).
CERT members are taught to render first aid and auxiliary services until professional emergency responders arrive on the scene.
New members must complete a 36-hour course of classroom and hands-on instruction in the areas of: disaster preparedness, fire safety, search & rescue and medical operations (including CPR, AED and the Heimlich maneuver). No special skills are required to join CERT.
As The Villages continues to grow, so does the need for more CERT members throughout our community,” said Rick Cunningham, public information officer with CERT.
The next Basic Course Class is Oct. 5 through Nov. 13. All classes will be from 9 a.m. to noon, Mondays and Fridays at the Bacall Recreation Center. To sign up or for more information, call 674-2948 or visit certofthevillages.org.