The Morgan County Emergency Management Agency is partnering with a group of volunteers to start the Morgan County Community Emergency Response Team.

“CERT basic training will begin in September, and we are looking for volunteers to assist with setting up and managing the program,” CERT president Jesse Hockett said. “There are opportunities available in every community in Morgan County.”

The new volunteer-based team will educate volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that might impact their area and train them in basic disaster response skills, Hockett added, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

“CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks,” he said.

Hockett said a CERT program will help equip Morgan County residents to ensure they are able to provide assistance for themselves, their families and their neighbors.

“The better trained and prepared Morgan County citizens are, the more able they are to cope with emergencies and disasters, which will alleviate stress on our emergency response agencies, which will expedite recovery,” he said. “Our ability to assist professional responders during disaster situations will allow them to focus on more immediate needs and complex tasks.

“We are a resource for our local communities to tailor our teams to meet the needs of their communities.”

For more information visit http://morgancountycert.teamapp.com.