Carl Dann talks to first C.E.R.T. class at Senior Center.

CLEVELAND, Ga. – White County held the first in a series of Certified Emergency Response Training (C.E.R.T.) meetings Saturday. The meetings will be held on the last Saturday each month to help educate the citizens about disaster preparedness and train them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. Using their training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event and can take a more active role in preparing their community.

Ray Stevens, the volunteer coordinator for White County pointed out there are only four ambulances to serve the county.

“How quickly do you think those four will be out of service in case there are two or three accidents at the same time or a disaster like a tornado or ice storm,” he asked. “That’s what the county is faced with. If you can shelter in place and have food and water, you don’t become part of the problem.”

Carl Dann, one of the leaders of the community education program, pointed out that a key first step in being prepared is to make a list of what you will need to do to survive and not just a list, but a written list.

Plan on being able to survive for at least 3-5 days. Consider what supplies you will need in addition to food and water. If you are taking a medication have a supply on hand. If you’re insulin dependent, how can you keep it refrigerated.

He recommended making a list of things you will need, a list of your medication, phone numbers of family members, photo copies of drivers’ licenses, etc.

“Disaster planning is a mindset,” Dann said. “It evolves.”

The next class is scheduled for the last Saturday in August.

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