CENTRAL JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. – The Central Jackson County Emergency Management Agency (CJCEMA) is currently accepting applications for the upcoming CJCEMA Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class.
Classes begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2015. at the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District’s Training Center, 4715 W. Highway 40, Blue Springs, Mo. Volunteers undergo a 10-week training program in disaster preparedness and basic emergency response skills.
“The CERT program is all about neighbors helping neighbors and volunteers receive specialized training to assist first responders during critical events, ranging from missing persons to natural disasters,” said Todd Farley, CJCEMA Emergency Management Director. “We have had great success with the program and I know that if our community needs them, CERT graduates will be there to help.”
The CERT volunteers participate in a training program developed by FEMA and taught by CJCEMA personnel. After completing training that includes lessons in fire safety, search and rescue, first aid/CPR and disaster and medical operations, CERTs support their local communities by assisting City agencies that prepare for and respond to disasters. CERT volunteers also work to educate their communities about emergency preparedness through the CJCEMA coverage area.
CERT training is available at no cost for residents of Blue Springs, Grain Valley and Lake Tapawingo. For more information about the CERT program, or if you are interested in becoming a CERT volunteer, contact Sgt. Allen Kintz at (816) 228-0178.
The CJCEMA is an emergency management agency consisting of the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District, the City of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Lake Tapawingo and surrounding unincorporated areas. The EOC is located at the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District’s Training Center and brings together representatives from Police, Fire, Public Works and Emergency Management agencies.
###
Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CJCEMA or become "fans" of our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cjcema.