Gillespie County launching CERT team

Gillespie County has announced it is launching a new Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program following historic summer flooding to help with local disaster response and recovery.

According to Emergency Management Coordinator Ashley Morris, the program is designed to empower community members to assist during disasters.  CERT volunteers can assist with a variety of tasks, including shelter operations, food and water distribution, damage assessments, documentation and other recovery efforts following disasters.  The program also provides training in areas such as basic first aid, basic search and rescue, fire extinguisher use, disaster psychology and emergency organization.

County officials are hoping to build a trained volunteer team of 100 to 200 members over the next two years.  Participants must be at least 18 years old, and participate in an initial training class.  Classes will be scheduled within the coming months.  No prior emergency response experience is required to participate.

CERT volunteers do not replace firefighters, law enforcement officers or other first responders.  Instead, they provide additional support during emergencies and help expand the county’s response capabilities.

For more information call 830-997-7521 or 830-990-2033.