Harris County ESD 48 in Katy Offers Free CERT Training to Empower Local Residents with Disaster Response Training
Harris County Emergency Services District (ESD) 48 in Katy is inviting local residents to participate in its upcoming Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program, starting February 10, 2025. This no-cost course provides essential disaster preparedness education and hands-on training designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to help their communities during emergencies.
What is CERT Training?
Harris County ESD 48’s CERT program is sponsored by the district’s Fire-EMS Rescue division, a trusted provider of emergency services in the Katy area. The program is designed to empower residents with knowledge and skills that could save lives and sustain communities during critical moments.
Whether you're looking to contribute to your community, gain lifesaving skills, or enhance your personal preparedness, the CERT program offers a unique and valuable opportunity. Join the growing network of trained CERT volunteers and make a difference when it matters most.
The CERT program, a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) initiative, educates citizens about the potential hazards in their area and provides practical training in disaster response skills. These include fire safety, light search and rescue, basic medical operations, and disaster team organization.
Participants learn how to:
- Extinguish small fires.
- Administer basic first aid for life-threatening conditions like airway blockage, severe bleeding, and shock.
- Perform light search and rescue in disaster scenarios.
- Organize spontaneous volunteers to increase effectiveness during emergencies.
- Understand disaster psychology and its effects on rescuers and survivors.
The program emphasizes a proactive, community-centered approach to disaster preparedness. CERT training helps participants become valuable first responders in their neighborhoods or workplaces when professional emergency services are delayed or overwhelmed.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Details of the Upcoming Training
The upcoming CERT course consists of eight weekly sessions held every Monday night from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., starting February 10, 2025, and concluding on April 7, 2025. The training will be conducted at Harris County ESD No. 48 Station #5 Administration Building, 21201 Morton Road, Katy, TX 77449.
This comprehensive 24-hour program includes classroom instruction and hands-on exercises. The training culminates in a mock disaster exercise during the final session, allowing participants to apply their newly acquired skills in a simulated emergency scenario.
Who Can Join?
The program is open to individuals aged 18 and older. Teens aged 15-17 are welcome to participate but must be accompanied by an adult. There is no cost to attend, and participants will receive a manual and a starter backpack with essential supplies.
Why CERT Training Matters
CERT promotes collaboration between emergency management agencies and the communities they serve. Trained CERT members play a critical role in providing immediate assistance to disaster victims, coordinating spontaneous volunteers, and supporting professional responders with valuable on-the-ground information.
The program also enhances overall community resilience by preparing individuals to respond effectively during natural or man-made disasters, from hurricanes and floods to chemical and radiological emergencies.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
How to Register
Interested individuals can register for the CERT course by contacting Mary Payne at Mary.Payne@hcesd48.org. Early registration is encouraged as spots are limited. For more information, visit Harris County ESD 48’s website.
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.
