Get CERTified

SENECA COUNTY --- Do you ever wonder what you would do in an emergency situation? If you feel that you're not prepared for an emergency, it's time to think about getting CERTified. The A-T spoke with Seneca County Community Emergency Response Team Coordinator Suzanne Black about what CERT is and how people can get involved. The non-profit is a training program backed by FEMA and under the control of Seneca County EMA. "When CERT began, it was evolved out of 9/11," she explained. "A lot of people showed up at the scene that were unskilled, didn't know what to do, but wanted to help. So, FEMA decided that a situation like that wouldn't happen again. They put together a program and it evolved from there." Black said each CERT team has the same core lessons, but each team has its own flavor. When it comes to taking the nine-week CERT course, those who complete the course can choose to join the team or not. "They can take all that knowledge back to their neighborhoods and help their neighbors and their families in an emergency," Black said. Some of the skills those who train with CERT walk away with are: Identifying and anticipating hazards Reducing fire hazards in the home and workplace Extinguishing small fires Assisting emergency responders Conducting light search and rescue Setting up medical treatment areas Supplying basic medical techniques Helping reduce survivors' stress "Thankfully, Seneca County doesn't have a lot of disasters," she said. "So, in order to keep the team busy, we do a lot of exercises. We have training at every meeting and the Seneca County Firefighters Association has sponsored us to be canteen service for the 13 fire departments in the county." Some of the responsibilities that come with providing canteen service to the local fire departments are providing firefighters with food and drinks as needed. When CERT is called out to provide canteen service, the organization also provides traffic control at the same time. "We're also part of a water rescue team; that's another benefit of being part of the CERT team is that you can participate in that way as well," Black said. Seneca County CERT will be in the Heritage Festival parade, featuring its rehab truck that was gifted to the organization. CERT members will also be assisting in directing traffic during the parade. To participate in and/or be trained in emergency response through CERT, the organization is sponsoring a 9-week course that will be instructed by community leaders such as EMA Administrator John Spahr, Bettsville Fire Department Chief Mike Klaiss and Black herself. "There's no charge for the class," Black said. "People can be expected to buy a safety vest, sturdy shoes and dark pants for the uniform. We provide a t-shirt and a backpack of supplies. Participation requires a commitment to attend all of the class dates. Please bring a 1 ½" binder notebook for your manual. Class size is limited, so sign up today and reserve your seat. Contact CERT Coordinator Suzanne Black at 419-937-5599 or email senecacountyCERT@senecacoutyohio.gov for more information. CERT basic class syllabus Emergency Training Center Seneca County Fairgrounds, 126 Hopewell Avenue, Tiffin from 6:30-9 p.m. Sept. 21 – Nov. 12, 2023 Sept. 21 Disaster Preparedness - Suzanne Black, CERT Coordinator Sept. 28 CERT Organization - John Spahr, EMA Administrator Oct. 5 Disaster Medical Operations I - Jonathan Gruss, RN, Beth Souder, EMT Oct. 12 Disaster Medical Operations II - Jonathan Gruss, RN, Beth Souder, EMT Oct. 19 Disaster Psychology - Shelley Loesser, Lutheran Social Services Oct. 26 Fire Safety & Utility Controls - Bettsville Fire Dept. Capt. Mike Klaiss Nov. 2 Light Search & Rescue - Bettsville Fire Dept. Capt. Mike Klaiss Nov. 9 Terrorism & CERT - Fostoria Police Chief Keith Loreno Sat. & Sun., 8 hrs. each day, time to be determined Nov. 11 and 12 Review, Final Exam, Exercise - CERT Coordinator and Instructors Nov. 21 Graduation and meet CERT team - CERT Team and Instructors Donations to the program can be made to Seneca CERT Association, 3373 S TR 165 Tiffin, Ohio, 44883.