Empowering Communities: Join the Upcoming CERT Training to Enhance Disaster Preparedness in Katy
The recent passing of Hurricane Beryl through the Greater Houston area served as a stark reminder of the critical importance of disaster preparedness. Sometimes, the emergency services that we rely on can become overwhelmed or delayed by such catastrophic events, particularly in the face of wide-spread devastation caused by storms like Hurricane Harvey in August of 2017. That's where the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) steps in.
CERT is a national program that educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that could impact their local area. It provides training in essential, lifesaving disaster response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Those who complete CERT training are able to support professional responders by offering immediate assistance, organizing untrained volunteers, and gathering critical disaster information when it matters most. Local organizations like Katy Area CERT bring this crucial training to local residents throughout the year.
Earlier this year, Katy Area CERT congratulated the latest round of trainees on the successful completion of the CERT program. Participants learned about key disaster preparedness techniques including fire suppression and medical operations, as well as terrorism awareness and disaster simulation drills. Among the medical skills they learned, participants engaged in a "Stop The Bleed" class that offered hands-on training in lifesaving practices.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
This fall, a new CERT session is set to begin. Starting Monday, September 9th, 2024, and running through to Monday, November 4th, 2024, interested locals can join this vital community initiative, led by Harris County ESD 48 Fire-EMS Rescue. The classes will be held every Monday evening between 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the Harris County ESD No. 48 Station #5 Administration Building, located at 21201 Morton Road, Katy, Texas 77449. The class is free to participants, and includes a manual and starter pack.
If you're interested in becoming part of your local CERT, visit harriscountycitizencorps.com/CERT for more information. Alternatively, you can reach out to Mary.Payne@hcesd48.org to register for the upcoming classes.
Volunteering for CERT is not just about personal development or another line on your resume. By becoming a CERT member, you help build your community's resilience, potentially saving and sustaining lives until professional help arrives in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
