In an effort to bolster the county’s preparedness for potential disasters, Chattooga County Emergency Management Director Pamela Vaughn is urging residents to join the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The program equips everyday citizens with vital skills needed to assist their communities in the wake of emergencies when professional first responders might be delayed or overwhelmed.

The CERT program, a nationally recognized initiative originating from the Los Angeles Fire Department, boasts over 600,000 trained volunteers across the country. Participants in Chattooga County will learn essential skills to manage utilities, suppress small fires, and provide basic first aid, including airway management, bleeding control, and shock treatment. “When disaster strikes, volunteers can be the difference between chaos and calm, danger and safety,” Vaughn stated in her recruitment appeal. The comprehensive training will also cover light search and rescue techniques, team organization, leadership skills, and the crucial ability to gather and relay critical disaster information to professional responders. This prepares volunteers to effectively assist during a range of emergencies, from earthquakes and floods to tornadoes and other potential crises impacting the county.

To be eligible for the Chattooga County CERT, volunteers must be at least 16 years old and either live, work, or worship within the county boundaries. All applicants are required to pass a criminal background check. Interested community members are encouraged to contact Emergency Management Director Pamela Vaughn directly at Pamela.Vaughn@chattoogacounty.gov for further information regarding upcoming training sessions and the application process.