CERT members take part in a training exercise.
CERT members take part in a training exercise.

The Community Emergency Response Team of The Villages is looking for members.

No special skills are required to join CERT. As The Villages continues to grow, so does the need for more CERT members throughout the community.  The next Basic Course Class is Oct.  6 thru Nov. 14.  All classes will be from  9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Fridays at the Bacall Recreation  Center.  To sign up or for more information, call 674-2948 or visit their website at certofthevillages.org.

CERT is a nationwide organization that trains citizens about disaster preparedness as well as how to provide initial assistance to their families, neighbors and community during large medical emergencies and disasters (such as hurricanes and tornados).

CERT members are taught to render first aid and auxiliary services until professional emergency responders arrive on the scene.  New members must complete a 36 hour course of classroom and hands-on instruction in the areas of: disaster preparedness, fire safety, search and rescue, and medical operations (including CPR, AED, and the Heimlich maneuver.)

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