A local program will offer training this weekend to community members interested in becoming better prepared and response-ready in the event of disaster and emergency situations.

Livingston County’s Community Emergency Response Team program, or CERT, will be teaming up with several other organizations for the intense full-weekend course held at the Howell Emergency Management Department on Tooley Road. The free course is open to the public and will educate and train participants about the steps to take in disaster situations and everyday emergencies. The course begins Friday at 6pm and runs until 9:30pm and then resumes for full-day courses Saturday and Sunday. Attendance and participation all three days is required to receive the certificate of completion.

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. They are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in the community.

CERT members also assist with non-emergency projects, such as distribution of disaster education materials, and may provide services at special events, including parades, sporting events and concerts. Anyone with an interest in the class will find registration details through the link below. (JK)