(NBC Left to right) Ann Brent Henson, Deb Bowser, Rick Broadrick, Chris Crawford, Wendy Thomas, Susan Thomas, Bill Sallada, Bonnie Sallada, Kevin Millin, Stephanie Stiver, Linda Orth, Dave Cubbison

TWO TEAMS READY TO GO IN BEDFORD COUNTY
Dave Cubbison  Bedford County, Pa. EMA 

Bedford County Department of Emergency Services is proud to announce the graduation of the first two Community Emergency Response Teams. The teams make up the first two of four classes to be held in Bedford County this spring.

Twenty men and women from across the county completed training in the areas of disaster preparedness, light fire suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, animals in disaster and terrorism awareness and prevention. The classes were held at Northern Bedford County High School and Everett High School. 

The participants represented a varied background including homemakers, school employees, private business owners and others.

Community Emergency Response Teams, also called CERT’s, are being trained to respond in times of disaster when the professional rescuers are overwhelmed and help might not be realized for hours or even days. CERT members move out into their own neighborhoods assisting anyone who is in need of emergency care until professional rescuers arrive.

“The greatest and most probable reason for a CERT to become active in Bedford County is weather, said Dave Cubbison, of the Bedford County Emergency Management Agency. “We have had significant floods and snowfall over the last ten years, as well as seven certified tornadoes in the county. However, the graduates are prepared to cope with the effects of a terror related incident if one should occur.”

CERT graduate Ann Brent Henson expressed her approval of the course saying, “It made me want to get more deeply involved in helping my neighbors. Giving back to others enriches my life. This is one way I can help! 

Cubbison said that currently a CERT seminar is running at Bedford High School and the last CERT class for this spring will be held at Hyndman High School on Saturday April 26 and Saturday May 3, from 8:00am to 4:30pm.

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