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HSMI assists with training CERT personnel, faith-based and non-government emergency response organizations


Recently HSMI Program Coordinator Glenn Greibus assisted with hands-on tractor training organized by the Skills That Serve (STS) Institute hosted by Forrester Farm Equipment in Chambersburg, PA.  Volunteer CERT members from Pennsylvania and Maryland joined other faith-based and non-government emergency response organizations from several states including Kentucky and Virginia. The training was designed to demonstrate how tractors can be effectively used in disaster environments and to provide volunteers with the skills needed to safely operate agricultural tractors equipped with front-end loaders.  Forrester Farm Equipment provided nine tractors, two skid steers and a loader backhoe, along with several staff members all at no cost.  The day-long training included classroom instruction on tractor safety, identification of key parts and their functions, and operator pre-start responsibilities. Students then participated in a series of practical exercises designed to give them hands-on experience in safely starting the tractor and performing basic tractor operations for use in disaster response operations. At day’s end, each student completed a “final exam” by operating a tractor through a pre-established obstacle course designed to test their ability to apply what they learned. As a result, communities throughout the region and elsewhere in the United States will benefit from skills learned by those who attended this event.  An article on this event appears on page 4 in the August, 2008 edition of the “The Merchandiser”, a monthly news update for New Holland North American Dealers.

What is CERT?
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.  HSMI will be offering the eight week CERT course from September 23rd through November 25th.  Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Monroe Community College Public Safety Training Facility (PSTF) located at 1190 Scottsville Road.  There are 30 seats available for interested candidates who are at least eighteen years of age and reside in Monroe County. All training, equipment and supplies including CPR/AED certification, will be provided free of charge. Registrations will be accepted on a "first-come, first-serve" basis until all seats are filled. The first seven modules are required for graduation. 


For more information or to register please contact Glenn Greibus at 753-3784 or at <mailto:ggreibus@monroecc.edu>.  

Glenn V. Greibus
Homeland Security Management Institute
08/11/2008


Attachments:
icon AUG2008_MerchUpdate_F.pdf