Back Row (Left to Right) Roy Stevens, Chuck Blaine, Dann Morris, Victor Torregeano, John LaPree, Sandi Hengle, Scott Bishop, Jerry Davis, Director of White County Public Safety David Murphy. Middle Row (Left to Right) Barbara Blaine, Leah Torregeano, Robert Becker, Darlene Becker, Linda Lifsey, Front Row John Wilson

CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County Office of Public Safety Director David Murphy presented graduation certificates last week to 12 individuals who recently completed the 30 hour Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Emergency Response Team  (CERT) training program.

The program trains volunteers to prepare for the types of disasters that their community may face.

In a press release, Murphy said, “After Irma, the call went out for assistance and White County CERT members were there. They made a difference in the lives of many of our friends and neighbors. CERT Teams cleared the roads so emergency vehicles could get through. They staffed a shelter for those on medical devices who needed power. They assisted at a food & shower comfort station. CERT members provided behind-the-scenes assistance in staging vital emergency equipment and administratively assisted at several locations. Because of White County’s CERT teams’ dedication and willingness to help our friends and neighbors, they mitigated the damaging effects of a disastrous situation.  They touched the lives and hearts of our community.”

White County CERT has established the following teams to prepare and assist White County in times of need.

*       Administrative
*       Chainsaw
*       Communications
*       Community Education
*       Equipment
*       Medical Reserve Corps
*       Search & Rescue
*       Shelter Management
*       Speakers Bureau
*       Training
*       Youth Programs

CERT Basic Course is delivered in the community by a team of first responders, and other qualified volunteers. The organization and timing of training and meeting varies from program to program. It is often broken up into two to four hour blocks over a series of evenings or weekends.

White County Office of Public Safety has announced the next CERT training program will begin January 16 and will continue through March 27. Classes will be held every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the White County Senior Center, 1239 Helen Highway in Cleveland. For more information or to sign up, please call 706-865-9500. This is a free class but class size is limited.