Paulding County EMA Working To Enhance Volunteer CERT Membership

DALLAS, GA – The Paulding County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is currently recruiting Volunteers for the Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT. CERT Volunteers work together in teams often times assisting with missing persons searches, shelter operations, SkyWarn storm spotter participation, conducting damage assessments following significant weather events and providing logistical support with planned community events such as fireworks displays and parades. The CERT Program is managed by the EMA which provides training and equipment to active members.

A CERT Basic Training Course will be offered in May for new members that will include
training in the following areas:
o Disaster Preparedness
o Fire Safety and Utility Controls
o Disaster Medical Operations
o Light Search and Rescue Operations
o CERT Organization
o Disaster Psychology
o Terrorism – Suspicious Activity Reporting

All applicants must be 18 years of age.

Anyone that is interested in volunteering with our CERT Program may contact EMA Coordinator Stephen Dooley at 678-383-3421 or email sdooley@paulding.gov with any questions and to be placed on the training list.

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Applications may be picked up at the Fire Administration Office located at 165 North Johnston Street, Dallas, Georgia, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at the Emergency Operations Center located at 1389 Industrial Blvd. North, Dallas, Georgia Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Note that the EOC is closed to public between noon and 1 p.m.

Paulding County EMA began utilizing volunteer members with the CERT Program in 2016 and has found the program to be very successful and an enhancement to the Preparedness, Response and Recovery goals of the Agency. FEMA and GEMA provide Homeland Security Grant funding assistance for the establishment and sustainment of the program.

CERT is a positive and realistic approach to being ready for emergency situations. CERT emphasizes sound decision making, rescuer safety and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Logo courtesy Paulding EMA