Austin's Homeland Security & Emergency Management office is set to roll out a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program this summer, with "CERT Basic" classes aiming to train volunteers in various emergency preparedness skills. As reported by AustinTexas.gov, the initiative comes as part of a pilot program set to equip residents with the know-how to manage disasters that may hit Central Texas. The training will cover fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and other critical areas.
CERT programs are known nationwide for their consistent volunteer training and organization, designed primarily to support first responders during catastrophes. This structure will allow Austinites not only to better look after themselves but also to extend a skilled hand to their neighbors during times of crisis—effectively, aiming to "quickly provide assistance" to their fellow citizens, in the words of HSEM Director Jim Redick. CERT's expansion over the years includes specialized versions for teens, college campuses, and workplace environments.
Participants who successfully complete the training receive a certificate and a kit that contains essential response tools, including a helmet and vest for easy identification during actual emergency response efforts. The commitment to the program honors Cindy Hood, an HSEM staffer whose grant application made the pilot possible prior to her passing, as described by AustinTexas.gov.
Those interested in registering need a FEMA Student Identification Number, which can be acquired through the FEMA website. Details about registration and course schedules are available on ReadyCentralTexas.org, with direct links provided by AustinTexas.gov. The classes span June through August, with various times to accommodate differing schedules. While "not necessary", taking the online FEMA Independent Study IS-317: Introduction to CERT is encouraged as it offers additional context about the program's capabilities.
The CERT pilot program is bound to make a significant difference in emergency preparedness for the people of Austin, forging a more resilient community through shared knowledge and practical readiness. Jim Redick summed up the community's sentiment when he said, "A prepared community is a resilient community." With classes scheduled to begin on June 27 and subsequent sessions in July and August, Austin residents have ample opportunity "to become trained" in safeguarding their homes and neighborhoods.
