What would you do if a
disaster struck in Prosper?
The Prosper Fire
Department is accepting applications for the Prosper Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT). CERT members are
trained to handle emergencies in the community when regular
emergency personnel are not immediately available. CERT
also assists the fire department on a limited basis as needed
throughout the year. Classes will be scheduled based on
the number of people interested and the availability of the
training facilities.
CERT is a positive and realistic approach to
emergency and disaster situations
where citizens may initially be on their own and their actions
can make a difference. While people will respond to others
in need without training, one goal of the CERT program is to
help them do so effectively and efficiently without placing
themselves in unnecessary danger. In CERT training
citizens will learn to:
Prepare for Emergencies and Disasters
Manage Utilities and Extinguish Small Fires
Basic First Aid
Search for and Rescue Victims Safely
Organize Themselves and Spontaneous Volunteers
to be Effective
Collect Disaster Intelligence to Support First
Responder Efforts
Why do the CERT training? In the event of a major disaster,
professional first responders may not be able to meet the demand
for services so CERT training will fill that need. CERT
members will be trained to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours
and to provide immediate assistance in a disaster.
CERT training is free of charge. Classes
are held at the Prosper Central Fire Department. Training will consist of approximately 17 to 18 hours split into
about 8 weekly sessions. Teams will receive additional and
ongoing training based on interests, needs and capabilities
after the initial classes are completed.
There is a job for everyone in CERT
based on an individual's skills, abilities, interests and
physical limitations. Safety is foremost in any activity
conducted by CERT, whether during training or in an emergency
situation. CERT members will not be
asked to do anything they do not feel capable of doing
physically or emotionally.
Minimum Requirements for membership:
Be at least 21 years old.
Posses a valid drivers license.
Be able to perform some physical activities.
Be able to pass a background investigation.
Live or work in Prosper.
For more information or to request an application please
contact Certified Instructor - Bill Strohmeyer via e-mail at
b.strohmeyer@prospercert.com.
Please visit these web sites for more information about CERT:
