The Gwinnett County Office of Emergency Management is offering free Community Emergency Response Team training over eight weeks 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Sept. 8 at various locations in Gwinnett. A course review and disaster simulation will take place 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24.

Participants will be trained in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. In a large-scale operation where the first responder system is overwhelmed, individuals who have completed Initial CERT Training will have the skills to provide assistance in their homes, neighborhoods, and local communities until first responders arrive. Approved CERT Volunteers can go beyond and serve in administrative functions within Gwinnett OEM and take additional training to serve in more complex capacities such as supporting local emergency responders and other support agencies within the Emergency Management System.

Courses are open to all Gwinnett residents 18 years and older who pass a background check provided by the Gwinnett County Police Department.

Information or registration: ema@gwinnettcounty.com. Class size is limited to 25 participants.

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