Henry EMA and Non-Profit Partner to Provide Emergency Response Training
Members of the Southeast Metro Pearls of Purpose who participated in one of three CERT classes that the Henry County EMA has provided through their partnership.
Members learned valuable skills during CERT training to educate and equip volunteers with critical skills in disaster response, first aid and emergency preparedness.
McDONOUGH — Henry County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) recently partnered with the Southeast Metro Pearls of Purpose, an official interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., to provide Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training for its members who wanted to be better prepared to help their community in the event of an emergency.
Members of the Southeast Metro Pearls of Purpose first approached EMA staff in June about joining the CERT class and had enough members interested to make up three separate classes. The Southeast Metro Pearls are the first non-profit organization to participate in CERT training collectively. Their first session coincided with September’s National Emergency Preparedness Month, however there were so many members interested that the EMA divided the group into three classes, with the third set to start next week.
Karla Richter, an Emergency Management Specialist II with the County’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Department, believes that the women are setting a strong example of leadership and preparedness and she hopes that their group participation will inspire other non-profits and businesses to follow suit.
The CERT program is designed to educate and equip volunteers with critical skills in disaster response, first aid and emergency preparedness. It empowers participants to respond effectively during natural or man-made emergencies. Through the CERT training, members learn vital skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations and team organization, all of which are crucial during emergencies.
“Being trained as members of Henry County’s Community Emergency Response Team equips us to support our community during critical times while building essential leadership and emergency management skills,” said Mo Grant Scott, President of The Southeast Metro Pearls of Purpose. “This year, we’re proud to have nearly 50 CERT members completing the program and we’re excited to grow even further next year. Our focus is on preparedness and making a meaningful impact as engaged residents and active community partners.”
Scott said that the Pearls involvement aligns with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.’s mission of being in ‘Service to All Mankind’ and continue to lead by example in promoting community safety and preparedness.
Henry County Commission Chair Carlotta Harrell, who recently participated in the CERT training, actively encourages all Henry County residents to participate in the program.
“I strongly encourage everyone to take this training,” she said. “Being prepared to assist in emergencies is critical to ensuring the safety of our community. The skills gained from CERT training can make a significant difference during local emergencies and natural disasters.”
“Preparedness is the key to ensuring the resilience of our county,” Harrell added. “When more citizens are trained and ready to respond, we can face emergencies with confidence and strength.”
For more information on Henry County’s CERT training, please contact Karla Richter at 770-288-7500 or email EMA@co.henry.ga.us.
