NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University is extending an invitation to students, employees, and community members to join its Campus-Community Emergency Response Team (C-CERT) training this fall. The program is part of the University's emergency and disaster management (EDM) curriculum.

Travis Surprise, an instructor in the EDM program, explained the significance of the training: “The main purpose of this training is to teach basic life-saving techniques that can be employed during a localized disaster to potentially mitigate the loss of life.” He added, “Additionally, it is important during a disaster that one does not become a victim. This training will reinforce that emphasis.”

The C-CERT training course will take place from Thursday, March 20, through Sunday, March 23, in Room 107 of Valk Center on the Northwest campus. Interested participants can register by contacting Travis Surprise at 660.562.1008.

The CERT program consists of a 24-hour course developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It aims to educate citizens about disaster preparedness for potential hazards affecting their communities. Participants will learn skills such as first aid, fire safety, search and rescue operations, team organization, and disaster medical procedures.

CERT-trained individuals are equipped to assist others in their neighborhoods or workplaces when professional responders are unavailable.

Northwest EDM students are particularly encouraged to enroll in CERT training as it fulfills one of their three-credit requirements for the 36-491 Field Experience in EDM course.