Milton Fire-Rescue Launches 'Ready Milton'

From Milton FD: In honor of National Preparedness Month in September, the City of Milton-Fire Rescue Department is launching a new emergency management program aimed at helping prepare residents in case of an emergency. The Milton community is invited to participate in the Ready Milton Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a new citizen training program.

The Ready Milton CERT Program is a 6-week program with training classes held on Wednesday nights beginning on October 11 at 6:00 pm. at Fire Department Headquarters at 750 Hickory Flat Road, Milton, GA 30004. CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of community members. The new Ready Miltonprogram is designed to take a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations. During these situations, citizens may be on their own in the hours immediately after a disaster and their actions can make a difference for themselves and their neighbors.

"Coming on the heels of two devastating hurricanes, the timing for this new program couldn't be better because preparedness is top of mind for so many people, said Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar. "Now is the perfect opportunity to learn how you can be the help until help arrives."

The basic course includes those components necessary to become capable of performing basic CERT functions. This enables residents to protect their families and assist their neighbors during a disaster. The program is open to community members 17 years and older.

The Ready Milton CERT Program is based on a national training program developed by FEMA to educate citizens about disaster preparedness. The training prepares citizens to rely on each other when first responders who provide fire and medical services are unable to meet immediate needs. Course participants learn what to expect in terms of emergency services, individual responsibility for preparedness, and lifesaving skills.

"Ready Milton allows us to incorporate the core training elements of FEMA's national CERT Program and customize additional training specific to Milton's unique needs," said Emergency Management Coordinator Matt Marietta.

For more information, contact the Milton Fire Department at 678-242-2541 during normal business hours or email ready.milton@cityofmiltonga.us.

Image Courtesy of Milton Fire-Rescue