Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
The AHN members actively involved in the CERT program constitute CERT Team VI.
This team enhances White County CERT's capabilities through supplementary training initiatives.
The White County CERT Program
As members of the Appalachian Homestead Network (AHN), we dedicate countless hours to honing our skills and knowledge in emergency preparedness. This commitment enables us to offer a wealth of expertise and support to our community. One important avenue through which we contribute is our participation in the CERT program.
A number of our AHN members choose to undergo additional training facilitated by White County Emergency Management. These individuals become certified county CERT volunteers, ready to respond effectively under the umbrella of the White County Emergency Management Agency. When activated, our CERT team receives its mission, and the entirety of AHN stands ready to provide support whenever necessary.
To learn more, contact us or visit White County's website: Emergency Management | White County Georgia (whitecountyga.gov)
The CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program, a nationwide initiative, aims to educate volunteers on disaster preparedness and emergency response. Volunteers undergo training in fundamental disaster response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. The program's objective is to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist others in their community or workplace in the aftermath of a disaster, especially when professional responders are unavailable immediately.
Structured with a standardized curriculum comprising nine units, the CERT program covers various topics such as disaster preparedness, fire safety, and disaster medical operations. Many CERT programs offer supplementary training in CPR, first aid, Search and Rescue, and amateur radio operation. Typically delivered by professional responders or subject matter experts, participation in CERT programs requires volunteers to undergo a background check, Driver's License check, and drug screening.
The CERT program serves as a vital asset for communities, empowering individuals to play an active role in emergency response and preparedness. By providing volunteers with essential disaster response skills, the program bridges the gap between the onset of an emergency and the arrival of professional responders. This is particularly significant in rural or remote areas where response times may be prolonged.