Milton Kicks Off 2018 CERT Training Program

MILTON, GA — Last year, the Milton-Fire Rescue Department launched a new emergency management program, Ready Milton Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), aimed at helping prepare residents in case of an emergency. Following their completion of the CERT training program, 10 Milton residents are now ready to be the help during an emergency until help arrives.

The city will kick off its 2018 installment in the upcoming CERT program on Thursday, Aug. 2. Participants complete a 13-week program with training classes held at 6 p.m. Thursdays at Fire Department Headquarters at 750 Hickory Flat Road.

"This course is just one of the many ways we are working to ensure that our department and the community are prepared in times of disaster or in the event of an emergency," said Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar. "Participation in this specialized training program is not only a personal investment, but an investment in your community."

CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of community members. The Ready Milton CERT program 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.

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Milton resident Scott Stachowski said he encourages his fellow citizens to participate in the program "because this is a wonderful way to participate in our community and it will give you safety tips for your own family."

"Our CERT class is now working with the fire department to further define the role CERT members play in a city-wide emergency," he said.

Emergency Management Coordinator Matt Marietta added Ready CERT Milton allows the city to incorporate core training elements from FEMA's national CERT Program and customize additional training specific to the city's unique needs.

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.

For more information on how to register for the next CERT program, contact the Milton Fire-Rescue Department at 678-242-2541 during normal business hours or email ready.milton@cityofmiltonga.us.

Image via city of Milton