The greater St. Cloud area Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) along with Stearns and Benton counties Emergency Management are forming Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT). CERT is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to improve homeland security in local communities. CERT volunteers must be 18 or older and in good physical condition. CERT members will receive training in disaster preparedness, fire suppression, medical operations (triage, wound care, etc.), light search and rescue, team psychology and terrorism. There will be eight 2-1/2 hour training sessions. Training is provided free-of-charge to all CERT volunteers in exchange for offering their services to assist the community in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Classes will be offered in Sauk Rapids beginning Tuesday, Sept. 14, and in Waite Park beginning Tuesday, Sept. 21.
