Putnam County CERT seeking local volunteers

Monday, January 7, 2013

The Putnam County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), endorsed by the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency, is currently seeking individuals interested in serving their community while receiving valuable training, both in general and specific tactical response skills sets.

Training will encompass disaster preparedness, fire safety and utility control, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, damage assessment with specific training in specialized vehicle support as well as air operations staffed out of the Putnam County Airport.

CERT will respond to countywide and community-centered emergencies requiring additional resources and manpower to support Putnam emergency first-responders as determined by the Incident Command Structure.

CERT operates under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security but is locally directed, self-funded beyond insurance requirements and completely staffed by your friends and neighbors.

Interested individuals must be at least 21 years of age to qualify and all applications are subject to background checks. All active emergency first-responders are ineligible, as CERT is comprised of volunteer workers beyond the existing emergency services.

The Putnam County Emergency Operations Center, located at 1600 W. CR 225 South in Greencastle will be hosting an open house 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16. Interested individuals are encouraged to attend and have the opportunity to learn more about the Putnam County Community Emergency Response Team.

For more information, persons may contact the Putnam County Community Emergency Response Team at 653-5049, Ext. 305.

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