August 14, 2017
Next Murphy CERT class now accepting applications
MURPHY (August 14, 2017) Individuals interested in becoming part of the critically-important Community Emergency Response Team may now submit their application to be part of the next nine-week class.
“Emergencies require a thoughtful, calm and appropriate response, and our class prepares ordinary folks to do extraordinary things during these emergencies,” says Murphy Fire Marshal Perry Elliott. “Emergencies, natural and man-made, are part of our community’s life. CERT members help people get through these incidents in a positive way.”
Murphy Fire Rescue is now recruiting individuals to attend the City’s sixth CERT class. Sponsored and conducted by disaster preparedness professionals with the Murphy Fire Department, the next CERT class begins on Thursday, Sept. 21 and concludes on Thursday, Nov. 16. A realistic disaster drill will occur on Saturday, Nov. 18, allowing participants to put their newly-developed skills into practice.
Applications for enrollment will be accepted until Sept. 11, and applications can be submitted online through the Murphy Fire Department page of www.murphytx.org. Classes are held from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Murphy Fire Station training room, 206 North Murphy Road.
“Emergency Preparedness professionals calculate that residents will likely be required to maintain self-sufficiency for up to 72 hours after an emergency, with only the resources on hand. CERT-trained volunteers help bridge that potential three-day gap between the incident and when additional help arrives,” said Elliott.
The program includes training in disaster preparedness, identifying and dealing with hazards that may have an impact on affected areas. Participants learn basic disaster preparedness skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following events when first responders are not immediately available. CERT members are also utilized for non-emergency activities such as crowd and traffic control, freeing up first responders for true emergencies.
“There are no online or correspondence courses for this kind of training. It’s hands-on, intensive and highly-focused,” said Elliott. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, residents of Murphy and pass a background check.
More information can be obtained from the Fire Department page under Departments at www.murphytx.org or by calling Murphy Fire Rescue at (972) 468-4300 or by sending an e-mail to cert@murphytx.org.
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