The Joplin/Jasper County Emergency Management Agency is looking for people to enroll in classes to establish its third Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), according to a recent announcement by Judy A. Johnson, CEM director. Classes, which are held from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Joplin Municipal Building, 303 East Third Street, are scheduled to begin on Thursday, August 26, 2004.

Taught by experienced first responders, the classes will introduce the participants to basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency sevices are not available. Participation in a disaster drill gives everyone an opportunity to demonstrate the first aid and light extrication skills that they learn.

The program which is supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was a concept originally developed and implemented by the City of Los Angeles Fire Department in 1985. With training and practice and by working as a team, CERT volunteers will be able to do the greatest good for the greatest number after a disaster while protecting themselves from becoming victims.

Please phone (417) 623-5858 for an application. A background check will be conducted before enrollment.

For a previously published article about the second graduating class, click here.

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