Community Emergency Response Team launches in Washington County; accepting applications

Kenzie Hagood
·2 min read

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Washington County/Johnson City Emergency Management Agency (WC/JC EMA) is accepting applications for its new Community Emergency Response Team, the agency announced in a release on Tuesday.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) serves Washington County, Johnson City and other surrounding areas while working alongside first responders and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the release said.

“In the aftermath of a major disaster, the demand for professional responders can exceed availability. Our community’s ability to respond effectively in times of crisis relies heavily on the preparedness of our residents,” said Kat Latham, WC/JC EMA’s CERT program manager. “The CERT program provides an opportunity for individuals to not only enhance their emergency preparedness but also become essential to the first response efforts.”

The response team will prepare the community for emergency or disastrous events. CERT is accepting applications from any community member interested in this free, comprehensive program, the release said.

The CERT program will include 16 hours of hands-on learning and 12 hours of online coursework through FEMA, according to the release. Participants will learn about the following emergency response scenarios:

  • Fire hazard

  • Setting up medical treatment area

  • Assisting responders

  • Conducting light search and rescue operations

  • And more

Applications for the CERT program can be found on WC/JC EMA’s website at wcjcema.org.

So far, CERT has had over 30 local citizens complete their coursework, while 16 have already graduated, the release said.

<em>February 2024 Basic Academy graduates and instructors. (Photo courtesy of WC/JC EMA)</em>
February 2024 Basic Academy graduates and instructors. (Photo courtesy of WC/JC EMA)

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“This collaboration exemplifies the strength that comes from neighboring communities working together toward a common goal of enhancing public safety and emergency response,” said Evam Clyburn, interim director of WC/JC EMA. “I am confident that our joint commitment to preparedness will lend itself to a safer and more resilient region for all.”

The next Basic Academy will be held June 15 and the next Advanced Academy will be in August. For more information, contact Kat Latham at 423-560-0510 or email klatham@washingtoncountytn.org.

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